As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 1997. Registration No. 333- ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM S-3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 RIBI IMMUNOCHEM RESEARCH, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 81-0394349 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 553 OLD CORVALLIS ROAD HAMILTON, MT 59840 (406) 363-6214 (Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) RONALD H. KULLICK, SECRETARY Copy To: WILLIAM D. SHERMAN, ESQ. RIBI IMMUNOCHEM RESEARCH, INC. MORRISON & FORESTER 553 OLD CORVALLIS ROAD 755 PAGE MILL ROAD HAMILTON, MT 59840 PALO ALTO, CA 94304 (406) 363-6214 (415) 813-5600 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: At such time or times as Selling Security Holder desires to sell after this Registration Statement becomes effective. If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [ ] If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [x] If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If this Form is a posteffective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ] ================================================================================ CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title of each Proposed Proposed class of Amount maximum maximum Amount of securities to to be offering aggregate registration be registered registered price(2) offering price(2) fee - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock 2,155,172(1) $3.875 $8,351,291 $2,530.69 Par value $.001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <FN> (1) Assumes all warrants and rights to purchase by the Selling Security Holder are exercised, and all the Common Stock issued pursuant to such exercise and included in this Prospectus is offered by the Selling Security Holder. (2) Average of high and low prices as reported on July 30, 1997 for Registrant's Common Stock as traded on The Nasdaq National Market tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market used solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c). </FN> THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A) MAY DETERMINE. Subject to Completion PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 6, 1997 Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. 2,155,172 Shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value THIS PROSPECTUS covers the offer and sale from time to time by the holder thereof (the "Selling Security Holder") of (a) 1,103,448 shares of Common Stock par value $.001 (the "Common Stock") of Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. (the "Company") issued to the Selling Security Holder pursuant to the Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") dated December 31, 1996 between the Company and the Selling Security Holder; (b) 500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of a warrant issued pursuant to the Agreement (the "Warrant") at an exercise price of $5.00 per share; and (c) 551,724 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of rights granted under the Agreement (the "Option") to purchase an additional number of shares of Common Stock having a dollar value of $2,000,000 at market price on the date of purchase at an assumed purchase price of $3.625 per share. The Selling Security Holder may from time to time sell the shares of Common Stock covered by this Prospectus on The Nasdaq Stock Market, in other market transactions or in negotiated transactions at prices and on terms related to the then-current market price or otherwise. The Company will receive no proceeds from the sale by the Selling Security Holder. Assuming the full exercise of the Option and the Warrant, the Company will realize proceeds of $8,500,000, less estimated expenses associated therewith of $28,830.00. The Common Stock of the Company is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "RIBI." On August 4, 1997 the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. was $3.9375 per share. In selling the shares offered hereby, the Selling Security Holder may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the excess of the price received over the amount paid for such shares may be deemed underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. Sales may be made by such persons to or through brokers or dealers who may similarly be deemed to be underwriters. Any commission or profit realized on resales by brokers or dealers may also be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution." THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 2. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this Prospectus, and if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company or the Selling Security Holder. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities by anyone in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities law of such state, or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. The date of this Prospectus is August 6, 1997. This Prospectus and the documents incorporated herein contain forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, which statements involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" below. AVAILABLE INFORMATION The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance therewith files reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of the Commission: New York Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048; and Chicago Regional Office, Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material may also be inspected at National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. Copies of such material may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a Web Site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") (of which this Prospectus is a part) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain portions of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information regarding the Company and the shares of Common Stock offered hereby, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and such exhibits and schedules which may be obtained from the Commission at its principal office in Washington, D.C. upon payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission. THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS The Company is developing products that stimulate the immune system to generate a cascade of natural agents and signals to treat and prevent human disease. These immunostimulants can be combined with disease-specific antigens to direct the immune system to respond to a particular cancer or infectious disease or can be used to produce a generalized immune response to prevent conditions such as postischemic reperfusion injury. The Company is engaged in the research, development, production and marketing of these products, some of which are under investigation by other companies for use as adjuvants. In addition, the 1 Company engages in related activities such as the custom formulation and sale of research products. The Company's facilities are located near Hamilton, Montana, on a 35 acre complex owned by the Company. The Company's buildings contain approximately 60,000 square feet of laboratory, commercial scale manufacturing, animal production, marketing and administrative facilities. The manufacturing facility has been built to FDA standards for Good Manufacturing Practices. Ninety-four full-time and five part-time employees are employed by the Company. The Company also uses outside consultants and collaborators to support and complement the activities of its scientific staff on a specific project basis. RISK FACTORS The securities being offered hereby involve a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should review the entire Prospectus and the materials incorporated by reference herein and carefully consider, among other factors, the following matters: Limited Commercial Products The Company's principal activities since its formation in 1981 have been the research, development production and marketing of biopharmaceutical products designed to stimulate an immune response in humans and animals in order to prevent or treat malignant, infectious and other diseases. While there is evidence that the biological response modifiers produced by the Company and others may provide treatment for certain cancers, infectious and other diseases, the workings of the immune system, particularly in conjunction with biological response modifiers, are not yet fully understood. As a result the Company's research and development activities, as well as those of its competitors, are based on theories and concepts which may not have been completely proven or defined. The Company has and continues to test on humans its products designed for use by humans. To date there have been no significant untoward effects associated with the administration of its products, and present data indicate that certain products for certain applications have activity. Based upon a completed, controlled Phase III human clinical trial, the Company is preparing to file applications to commercially market its MELACINE melanoma theraccine in Canada, Europe, the United States and Australia over the next several months. The Company is also developing and collaborating with entities toward the development of products for other applications. However, additional testing in human subjects is required to demonstrate efficacy and confirm product safety. The Company markets a line of laboratory research reagents. The Company's Technology The technology of the Company is based on the potent capacities or certain microbial products to modulate the cytokine (regulatory substances produced by cells) cascade in man and other animals. Slight modifications of these products and/or their physical and biological delivery to the immune system profoundly influence the qualitative and quantitative natures of the subsequent cytokine modulation and the physiological responses. The Company believes that appropriate delivery of products of this core technology can be used to suppress an unwanted immunological or inflammatory response or to enhance a protective response. 2 Other than certain laboratory research products which presently generate limited sales revenue, there is no assurance that the products under development, including MPL immunostimulant, MELACINE melanoma theraccine, any adjuvants for human or veterinary use, any vaccines or any other immunological agents which may be developed by the Company for use in the treatment or prevention of infectious, malignant or other diseases in humans or animals will yield successful results. If results are successful, there is no assurance that the Company will receive the necessary governmental approvals for its products, that satisfactory joint venture or licensing arrangements will be available to the Company or that any of the Company's products will be accepted by the medical or veterinary communities. Accumulated Deficit; Increasing Net Losses; Sales; Need for Additional Cash The Company's net losses have been increasing over the past several years, and the Company expects to incur substantial operating losses for at least the next several years as its clinical evaluation activities continue and possibly expand. During the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 the Company incurred net losses of $3,683,000, $3,684,000, $3,790,000, $5,317,000 and $5,589,000, respectively. As of June 30, 1997 the Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately $38,842,000. To date the Company has generated only limited sales revenue. Sales and operating revenues of the Company for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 were $2,117,000, $3,162,000, $4,554,000, $4,023,000 and $4,623,000, respectively. There can be no assurance that the Company's products will prove successful or generate significant sales or earnings in the future. The Company is not able to estimate with certainty the amount of cash and working capital which may be needed for operations. Such requirements typically vary depending upon the results of basic research and clinical trials, the time and expense required for governmental approval of products, and competitive and technical developments, most of which are beyond management's control. The Company believes that its available cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments and funds from license agreements and product sales should be sufficient to meet its cash requirements through 1999. Continued operations of the Company beyond such period will be dependent upon the Company's ability to generate substantial operating revenue or procure additional financing. There can be no assurance that the Company's products will prove successful or generate significant sales or earnings in the future or that, if needed, the Company will be able to obtain future funding on reasonable terms, if at all, or at the appropriate time for its planned activities. Patents and Proprietary Protection The Company has obtained and applied for patents in the United States and several foreign countries. The Company has 21 issued United States patents. The expiration dates for issued United States patents held by the Company range from 2001 to 2011. There is no assurance that patents applied for by the Company will be obtained, and there can be no assurance that the claims embodied in existing patents to which the Company has rights will not be challenged. The issuance of a patent to the Company or to a licensor of the Company is not conclusive as to validity or as to the enforceable scope of claims therein. The validity and enforceability of a patent can be challenged by a request for re-examination or litigation after its issuance and, if the outcome of such litigation is adverse 3 to the owner of the patent, other parties may be free to use the subject matter covered by the patent. There can be no assurance that additional patents will be obtained by the Company in the United States or in other jurisdictions, or that any patents will provide substantial protection, or be of commercial benefit to the Company. The cost of enforcing the Company's patent rights in lawsuits, which the Company may bring against infringers or which may be brought challenging the Company's patents, may be substantial and could interfere with the Company's operations. The patent laws of other countries may differ from those of the United States as to the patentability of the Company's products and processes. Moreover, the degree of protection afforded by foreign patents may be different from that in the United States. On an ongoing basis the Company reviews its patent portfolio and has abandoned and may in the future abandon patents or patent applications for reasons including limited protection, lack of commercial importance and limited enforceability, among other considerations. The Company also relies substantially upon unpatented proprietary knowledge. There can be assurance that others will not develop such knowledge independently or otherwise obtain access to the Company's technology. In addition, it may be found that the technologies used by the Company may infringe upon patents or proprietary technology of others. Governmental Regulation Regulation by governmental authorities in the United States and other countries is a significant factor in the development, production and marketing of the Company's human biopharmaceutical and in its ongoing research and development activities. In order to produce and market human biopharmaceuticals, the Company must satisfy mandatory procedures and meet safety and efficacy standards established by the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") and comparable agencies in foreign countries. The process of seeking and obtaining approval for the manufacturing and marketing of a new human biopharmaceutical product may require a number of years and substantial funding. There can be no assurance that any required approvals will be granted on a timely basis, if at all, or that such approvals, once granted, will not be withdrawn. Furthermore, there is no assurance that additional regulation will not be imposed on the Company's activities or products in the future. Governmental Reforms In the past few years health care reform has received considerable attention. While it appears that federal governmental intervention is not imminent at this time, certain reform measures currently being considered by various state governments and certain related market restructuring could adversely affect the pricing of therapeutic or prophylactic products or the amount of reimbursement available. Such events could have an adverse impact on the profitability of companies developing, manufacturing or marketing pharmaceutical products. The Company cannot predict the extent of possible future governmental reforms or the effect such reforms or other measures may have on its business. Competition The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapidly evolving technology and intense competition. The Company's products under 4 development are expected to address a broad range of markets. The Company's competition will be determined in part by the potential indications for which the Company's products are developed and ultimately approved by regulatory authorities. The first pharmaceutical product to reach the market in a therapeutic or preventative area is often at a significant competitive advantage relative to later entrants to the market. Accordingly, the relative speed with which the Company or its corporate partners can develop products, complete the clinical trials and approval processes and supply commercial quantities of the products to the market are expected to be important competitive factors. The Company's competitive position also will depend on, among other things, its ability to attract and retain qualified scientific and other personnel, develop effective proprietary products, develop and implement production and marketing plans, obtain and maintain patent protection and secure adequate capital resources. The Company expects its products, if approved for sale, to compete primarily on the basis of product efficacy, safety, patient convenience, reliability, value and patent position. In addition to potential competition from other biopharmaceutical products, the products presently under development by the Company may compete with nonbiological drugs and other therapies. The Company's competitors include major pharmaceutical, chemical and specialized biotechnology companies, many of which have financial, technical and marketing resources significantly greater than those of the Company. The Company is aware that research is being conducted by others in areas in which the Company is seeking to establish commercial products. The Company's competitors might offer products which by reason of price or efficacy may be superior to any products that may be developed by the Company. There can be no assurance that the discoveries of and products introduced by others will not render the Company's products obsolete or that the Company will otherwise be able to compete effectively with such competitors. Attraction and Retention of Key Employees The Company's business is highly technical, and there are a limited number of scientists with expertise in the area of the Company's operations. The success of the Company's business, therefore, is and will be dependent upon its ability to attract and retain qualified research personnel. There is substantial competition for such employees, and there can be no assurance with regard to the Company's ability to recruit and maintain talented scientists. Volatility of Stock Price The market price of the Company's Common Stock, like that of the securities of many other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, has fluctuated over a wide range, and the market price of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby is likely to be highly volatile in the future. Factors such as fluctuation in the Company's operating results, announcements of technological innovations or new commercial products by the Company or its competitors, governmental regulation, developments or disputes concerning patent or other proprietary rights public concern as to the safety of devices or drugs developed by the Company or its competitors, and general market conditions may have a significant effect on the market price of the Common Stock. 5 Legal Proceedings Potential Liability for Groundwater Contamination The Company, the National Institutes of Health ("NIH") and the Bitterroot Valley Sanitary Landfill ("Landfill") were notified by the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, now known as the Department of Environmental Quality ("DEQ"), in March 1991 that they had been identified as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") and as such are jointly and severally liable for groundwater contamination located at and near the site of the Landfill in Ravalli County, Montana. The Company's involvement arises out of waste materials which it deposited at the Landfill from 1982 to 1985 which the Landfill had permits to receive. The NIH voluntarily initiated and completed work pursuant to an interim remediation plan approved by the DEQ to remove and decontaminate the believed source of the contamination and treat the aquifers which tests have shown contain contaminants. Although decontamination of the soil at and around the Landfill has been completed, treatment of the groundwater in the proximity of the disposal site continues utilizing carbon filtering and air sparging, and it is anticipated such treatment will continue through 1997 and possibly longer. The DEQ conducted a "Risk Assessment" and issued a "Draft Final Feasibility Study" in October 1994 that discussed possible final remediation alternatives. In August 1995 the DEQ announced that it had approved a second interim action in the vicinity of the Landfill being voluntarily conducted by the NIH and which involves installing individual replacement and new wells to provide both an alternate water supply for the affected residents and to develop additional information on the site hydrogeology. Information collected from these wells through a multi-year monitoring program will be used by the DEQ to evaluate the effectiveness of the remediation efforts to date. The current plan calls for the wells to be installed in three phases: Phase I includes occupied properties with the highest remaining contamination levels; Phase II includes occupied properties with lesser degrees of contamination; and Phase III consists largely of vacant properties. Preliminary studies completed in 1994 estimated the cost of the wells to be approximately $1,400,000. The first Phase was completed in the spring of 1996. The DEQ could require the PRPs to implement further remediation should these wells not provide sufficient quality or quantity of water. The NIH, which has taken the lead and incurred substantially all of the remediation costs, has represented publicly that it would continue to work with the DEQ toward an acceptable final remediation plan. In 1993, the NIH stated that as of that time, it had incurred costs and anticipated future interim remediation costs which could total $2 million or more. In 1996 the DEQ filed an action against the Company, the Landfill and the owner of the Landfill seeking reimbursement of costs in the amount of $199,000 associated with its oversight activities. For procedural reasons the DEQ dismissed this action but recently reinitiated the action against the Company, the Landfill and the owner of the Landfill seeking recovery of past alleged costs associated with its oversight activities in the amount of $238,000, as well as a declaratory judgment finding the parties liable for future oversight costs, plus civil penalties in the event the parties fail to comply. The Company has filed a response to the action. Because of these uncertainties, including the uncertainty of the cost of further remediation and whether the NIH will seek and obtain partial reimbursement from the other PRPs, it is not possible at this time to determine the potential liability of the Company as a PRP. 6 In 1993 two landowners in the vicinity of the Landfill filed civil suits seeking unspecified damages for alleged diminished value of land, possible health hazards and loss of domestic water source. The suits name the PRPs and the DEQ, as well as unknown individuals and corporations which may be discovered to have contributed to the injuries alleged. The Company filed answers to these suits denying any liability and in a motion for summary judgment, denied the injuries alleged. On October 11, 1996 the court granted the summary judgment and dismissed the plaintiffs' claims. Counsel for one of the plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration, which was denied. Counsel appealed the District Court decision to the State Supreme Court on behalf of both plaintiffs. Supreme Court rules require the parties to submit to nonbinding mediation prior to the matter being heard by the Court. Settlement has been reached as a result of the mediation. As part of the settlement the suits have been dismissed with prejudice, and plaintiffs will be barred from making any future claims arising out of the alleged contamination. It is not possible at this time to predict whether additional civil suits will be filed. Wrongful Discharge Action A former employee of the Company has filed a civil lawsuit against the Company alleging wrongful discharge as defined by the Montana Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (the "Act"). Under the Act if the Company is found at fault, plaintiff is entitled to a sum of up to four years of salary, benefits, plus other costs associated with attempting to locate other employment. The plaintiff also seeks to recover punitive damages of an unspecified amount. Counsel for the Company has filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action and an answer to the complaint denying the allegations. It is not possible at this time to predict whether the court will grant the motion to dismiss or if not, the outcome of the suit. Shares Eligible for Future Sale; Dilution As of the close of business on July 31, 1997 options to purchase 1,556,310 shares of Common Stock were outstanding pursuant to the Company's employee benefit plans and stock option agreements with management and directors at a weighted average exercise price of $5.20 per share. In addition, as of the close of business on July 31, 1997 a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 500,000 shares of Common Stock was outstanding at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. In addition, there is outstanding an option to purchase up to $2,000,000 worth of shares of the Company's Common Stock at market prices as of the date of exercise of the option. The Company has, pursuant to agreement with the holder of such warrant and option, registered with the Commission the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrant and option. As a result, substantially all of the Company's outstanding Common Stock and Common Stock subject to issuance upon exercise of the outstanding warrant and option will be freely tradeable in the open market following this offering and registration, subject, in the case of shares held by affiliates of the Company, to the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). The Company may issue additional stock, warrants and/or options to raise capital in the future. The Company may also issue additional stock or options under its employee benefit plans. During the term of the options and warrants described above, the holders thereof are given the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of 7 the Company's Common Stock. The effect of the exercise of such options and warrants may have on the market value of the Company's Common Stock is not known. The existence of such options and warrants may adversely affect the terms on which the Company can obtain additional equity financing. Risk of Product Liability The testing and marketing of health care products entails an inherent risk of product liability claims. The Company currently maintains product liability insurance coverage covering the clinical testing of its products. To date there have been no product liability claims asserted against the Company. However, there can be no assurance that product liability claims will not be asserted against the Company or that the Company will be able to maintain existing coverage or obtain reasonable insurance coverage should it choose to do so in the future. Cash Dividends The Company has never paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock and does not intend to pay any cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that the Company will ever declare or pay cash dividends on its Common Stock. Certain Charter Provisions Affecting Potential Changes in Control The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation includes a provision (the "Fair Price Provision") which requires the approval of greater than a majority of the Board of Directors as a condition to certain business combinations (a "Business Combination") with, or proposed by, a holder of ten percent (10%) or more of the Company's voting stock, an affiliate of the Company who beneficially owned ten percent (10%) or more of the Company's voting stock within the two-year period prior to the Business Combination, or certain assignees or successors of such persons, except in cases where the Business Combination has been approved by a vote of seventy-five percent (75%) of the shares of the Company's voting stock, or by a majority of disinterested directors, or where certain other minimum price criteria and other procedural requirements are satisfied. The Fair Price Provision may discourage certain types of transactions involving an actual or potential change in control of the Company, including transactions in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices and may limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests. In addition the Board of Directors has the authority to fix the rights and preferences of and issue shares of Preferred Stock, which may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company without action by the stockholders. See "Description of Capital Stock." USE OF PROCEEDS The Company will receive no proceeds from the sale by the Selling Security Holder of shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Prospectus. Assuming full exercise of the Option and the Warrant, the Company will receive proceeds of approximately $8,500,000, less expenses associated therewith of $28,830.00. The Company will use such proceeds to conduct research to improve upon existing products and to develop or acquire new products, to fund the clinical testing of the Company's products, to seek regulatory approval in the United States and 8 abroad with respect to the Company's products, including MELACINE melanoma theraccine, including the services of consultants, statisticians and other experts, conducting clinical trials, and collecting additional laboratory or clinical data which may be required by the various regulatory authorities in the United States and abroad. It is anticipated that a portion of such proceeds may be used for facilities expansion and otherwise as general working capital. The use of such proceeds may vary and will depend upon competitive developments, the rate of the Company's progress in research and product development, the timing of government approvals (primarily from the United States Food and Drug Administration) and the demand for the Company's products. Any variation in the use of such proceeds will be at the sole discretion of the Company. SELLING SECURITY HOLDER The following table sets forth as of August 6, 1997 the name of and the number and percentage of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Selling Security Holder and the number and percentage of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Selling Security Holder upon completion of the offering, assuming the Selling Security Holder exercises in full each of the Option and the Warrant, and offers and sells all 2,155,172 shares of Common Stock. Since the Selling Security Holder may elect not to exercise or only partially exercise the Option and Warrant, and may sell all or some or none of its shares of Common Stock, no estimate can be made of the aggregate number of shares that are to be offered hereby or that will be owned by the Selling Security Holder upon completion of an offering to which this Prospectus relates. Beneficial Ownership Shares Being Beneficial Ownership Name and Address Prior to Offering Offered(1) After This Offering - ---------------- ----------------- ------- ------------------- Number(2) Percent(3) Number Percent(3) ------ ------- ------ ------- SmithKline Beecham Biologicals 2,905,780 13.80 2,155,172 750,608 3.56 Manufacturing, S.A. Rue de l'Institut 89 B-1330 Rixensart Belgium - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <FN> (1) Plus such indeterminate number of shares of the Company's Common Stock as may be issued to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions in accordance with Rule 416 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. (2) Comprised of 1,103,448 shares of Common Stock, 500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrant, 551,724 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Option (assuming an exercise price of $3.625 per share) and includes 750,608 shares of Common Stock of the Company held by S.R. One, Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SmithKline Beecham, plc of which SmithKline Beecham Biologicals Manufacturing, S.A. is also a wholly owned subsidiary. (3) The total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding used in calculating percentages assumes the Option and Warrant of the Selling Security Holder are fully exercised (assumes Option exercised at price of 3.625, which is the last trade price on December 31, 1996) and that no other outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock are exercised. </FN> 9 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION Stock owned by the Selling Security Holder and included in this Prospectus may be offered and sold by the Selling Security Holder at any time while the Registration Statement, of which this Prospectus is a part, is effective. The Selling Security Holder has informed the Company that these shares may be offered for sale from time to time by the Selling Security Holder or may be retained. The shares of Common Stock may be sold from time to time to purchasers directly by the Selling Security Holder. The Selling Security Holder may from time to time elect to sell shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market, in other market transaction, or in negotiated transactions, at prices and on terms related to the then-current market price or otherwise. Such shares may be offered or sold without the participation of underwriters, brokers or dealers. The Selling Security Holder may from time to time offer shares of the Common Stock through underwriters, brokers or agents, who may receive underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Security Holder and/or the purchasers of shares for whom they may act as agent. Such offers or sales may be made by a block trade in which a broker or dealer, engaged for the purpose, will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; by purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its own account; by ordinary brokerage transactions or transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers; or otherwise. In effecting sales brokers or dealers engaged by the Selling Security Holder may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. In Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), may be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act. The Selling Security Holder and any underwriters, brokers or dealers that participate in the distribution of Common Stock may be deemed to be "underwriters" as defined in the Securities Act, and any profit on the sale of the Common Stock by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such underwriters, brokers or dealers might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. At the time the Selling Security Holder makes a particular offer of Common Stock, to the extent required, the Selling Security Holder will provide the Company with information sufficient to prepare a Prospectus Supplement, if necessary, which will set forth the aggregate amount of shares being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any underwriters, brokers or dealers, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting compensation from the Selling Security Holder and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers. DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK As of the date of this Prospectus, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 30,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share. Common Stock As of June 30, 1997 there were 20,004,591 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Holders of the Common Stock are entitled to receive pro rata such dividends as may from time to time be declared by the Board of Directors out of assets legally available therefor, subject to the dividend rights of the Preferred Stock if issued and any contractual restrictions that may be agreed to 10 by the Company. The Company may also make other distributions on the Common Stock or repurchase shares of the Common Stock to the extent permitted by law, subject to similar limitations. The Company has never paid any cash dividends on the Common Stock, and does not expect to pay any cash dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, holders of the Common Stock are entitled to receive pro rata all assets remaining after payment in full of creditors and after the preferential rights, if any, of the holders of the Preferred Stock. Holders of the Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on each matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Cumulative voting for election of directors is not permitted. The holders of the Common Stock do not have preemptive rights, and the Common Stock is not subject to any redemption or sinking fund provisions. Preferred Stock As of the date of this Prospectus, no shares of Preferred Stock were outstanding. The Company's Board of Directors is authorized to issue Preferred Stock in one or more series. Within the limitations of Delaware law and the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may fix the rights, preferences, limitations and terms of each series of Preferred Stock, including, under current Delaware law, the designation and number of shares in a series, dividend rights, liquidation rights, redemption provisions, sinking fund provisions, conversion rights and voting rights (including the number of voters per share and whether voting as a class or series is required). The issuance of any series of Preferred Stock with voting rights or with the right to convert to voting stock may affect the voting rights of the holders of the Common Stock by an increase in outstanding voting stock or by creating stock which votes as a class or series on the election of Directors or other matters. Holders of the Preferred Stock are in any event entitled by law to vote as a class on certain amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation which affect their stock. The issuance of any series of Preferred Stock may also affect the payment of dividends to holders of Common Stock, consistent with Preferred Stock dividend rights which may attach to the issuance of one or more series of Preferred Stock. Transfer Agent and Registrar The transfer agent and registrar for the Company's Common Stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, NY 10004. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE The Company hereby incorporates by reference in this Prospectus the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act. All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in this Prospectus or a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus shall be deemed to be 11 modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in any subsequently filed document (including this Prospectus or any other document that is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus) modifies or supersedes such previous statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus. The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any information that has been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus (excluding exhibits unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference). Requests for such information should be directed to the Secretary of the Company at the Company's principal executive offices, 553 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT 59840, telephone number (406) 363-6214. EXPERTS The financial statements of Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996 have been incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Company's annual report on Form 10-K have been examined by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, as stated in their reports which are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution The following statement sets forth estimated expenses of the sale and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting fees and expenses. All of the amounts shown are estimates except the SEC registration fee and the NASDAQ listing fee: SEC Registration Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,530 NASDAQ Listing Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,500 Blue Sky Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . - Accounting Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . 1,800 Legal Fees and Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 ------ Miscellaneous Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000 ------ Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,830 ====== Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company shall indemnify its directors and officers to the extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, and the Company's Amended Bylaws provide that the Company shall indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides, in part, that a corporation has the power to indemnify its current and former directors and officers against liability resulting from and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any actual or threatened legal 12 action in which they are made parties by reason of being or having been directors or officers of the corporation if they acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. However, as to any legal actions brought by or in the right of a corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which the director or officer has been adjusted to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action was brought shall determine that such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper. These provisions may be sufficiently broad to indemnify the directors and officers of the Company for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). Insofar as indemnification by the Company for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling person of the Company pursuant to the provisions described above, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. Item 16. Exhibits 4.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on June 22, 1992, Registration No. 33- 48713. 4.2 Amended Bylaws of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988, File No. 0-11094) 5.1 Opinion of Ronald H. Kullick, counsel for the Company 23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 23.2 Consent of Ronald H. Kullick, counsel for the Company (included in Exhibit 5.1) 24.1 Powers of Attorney (included as part of the Registration Statement signature page) Item 17. Undertakings (a) The Company hereby undertakes: (1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a posteffective amendment to this Registration Statement to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act, to reflect in the prospectus any facts arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent posteffective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in information set forth in the Registration Statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the 13 Registration Statement; (2) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such posteffective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; (3) to remove from registration by means of a posteffective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. (b) The Company hereby further undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (c) The Company hereby further undertakes that: (1) For purposes of determine any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) OR (4) OR 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective. (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each posteffective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (d) Insofar as the indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. 14 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, State of Montana, on the 6th day of August, 1997. RIBI IMMUNOCHEM RESEARCH, INC. By: /s/ Robert E. Ivy --------------------------- Robert E. Ivy Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman Exhibit 24.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert E. Ivy and Ronald H. Kullick, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including posteffective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in- fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. 15 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the dates included: Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- /s/ Robert E. Ivy President, Chief Executive August 6, 1997 - ---------------------------- Officer and Chairman ---------------- Robert E. Ivy (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Vern D. Child Vice President - Finance August 6, 1997 - ---------------------------- and Treasurer ---------------- Vern D. Child (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ John L. Cantrell Director August 6, 1997 - ---------------------------- ---------------- John L. Cantrell /s/ Philipp Gerhardt Director August 6, 1997 - ---------------------------- ---------------- Philipp Gerhardt /s/ Paul Goddard Director August 6, 1997 - ---------------------------- ---------------- Paul Goddard /s/ Mark I. Greene Director August 6, 1997 - ---------------------------- ---------------- Mark I. Greene /s/ Thomas N. McGowen, Jr. Director August 6, 1997 - ---------------------------- ---------------- Thomas N. McGowen, Jr. /s/ Frederick B. Tossberg Director August 6, 1997 - ---------------------------- ---------------- Frederick B. Tossberg 16 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description Page No. - ------- ----------- -------- 4.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on June 22, 1992, Registration No. 33-48713. 4.2 Amended Bylaws of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988, File No. 0-11094) 5.1 Opinion of Ronald H. Kullick, Counsel for the Company 18 23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 19 23.2 Consent of Ronald H. Kullick, Counsel for the Company 18 (included in Exhibit 5.1) 24.1 Powers of Attorney (included as part of the Registration 15 Statement signature page) 17 Exhibit 5.1 and 23.2 (LOGO) August 6, 1997 Board of Directors Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. 553 Old Corvallis Road Hamilton, MT 59840 Gentlemen: I am legal counsel to Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") in connection with the proposed registration of (i) 1,103,448 shares of the Company's $.001 par value Common Stock ("Common Stock") to be offered and sold by a certain holder named in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Registration Statement") on or about August 6, 1997; and (ii) 1,051,724 shares of the Company's Common Stock for possible issuance upon the exercise of an option and warrant to purchase Common Stock pursuant to an agreement between the Company and said certain holder as more fully described in the Company's Registration Statement. I have examined and am familiar with the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation, its Bylaws, as amended, and such corporate and other records, certificates and documents as I have considered necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. I am also familiar with the proceedings taken by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize the Company to issue (i) 1,103,448 of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to agreement with the holder; and (ii) 1,051,724 shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the option and warrant as provided for in such agreement more fully described in the Company's Registration Statement. Based upon the foregoing, I am of the opinion that (i) the 1,103,448 shares of Common Stock issued by the Company pursuant to the agreement between the Company and the holder have been duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; and (ii) the 1,051,724 shares of Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of the option and warrant referred to above, when issued, in accordance with terms of the option and warrant and paid for in accordance with such terms (which will involve payment in cash of an amount in excess of the par value thereof), will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the aforementioned Registration Statement. Very truly yours, /s/ Ronald H. Kullick Ronald H. Kullick Vice President - Legal Counsel and Secretary RHK:kw 18 Exhibit 23.1 (LOGO) KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 1000 First Interstate Center 401 N. 31st Street P.O. Box 7108 Billings, MT 59103 Independent Auditors' Consent The Board of Directors Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc.: We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed on or about August 4, 1997 of Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. of our report dated January 20, 1997, relating to the balance sheets of Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, which report appears in the December 31, 1996, annual report on Form 10-K of Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc. /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Billings, Montana August 4, 1997 19