1 As Filed With the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 1999 Registration No. 333-73009 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington. D.C. 20549 AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 NEOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 93-0979187 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 157 Technology Drive, Irvine, California 92618 (949) 788-6700 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of registrant's principal executive offices) ---------------------- Alvin J. Glasky, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer 157 Technology Drive Irvine, California 92618 (949) 788-6700 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of agent for service) Copies to: C. Craig Carlson, Esq. Robert E. Rich, Esq. Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Professional Corporation 660 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1600, Newport Beach, California 92660 Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement. If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please 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 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 registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier 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. [ ] 2 CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Proposed Amount of Title of securities Amount to be maximum maximum registration to be registered registered(1) offering price aggregate fee per share offering price - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series A 658,500(2) $8.03(3) $5,288,578 $1,470.23 Preferred Stock - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series A 67,069(2) $8.1875(4) $549,127 $152.66 Preferred Stock - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock issuable upon 75,000 $12.98(5) $973,500 $270.63 exercise of warrants - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 800,569 $6,811,205 $1,893.52(6) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction involving the Company's common stock, in order to prevent dilution, the number of shares registered shall automatically be increased to cover the additional shares in accordance with Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act. (2) The total number of shares registered for resale following conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock consists of 725,569 shares of common stock, which represents an estimate of the number of shares of common stock that would be issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock based upon a conversion price that would be applicable to a conversion on April 12, 1999 without giving effect to the fixed initial conversion price of $13.06 per share, increased by a factor of 50% to cover potential downward movements in market price of the common stock. (3) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis of the average of the high and low reported sale prices of the Registrant's common stock on February 25, 1999, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market. (4) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis of the average of the high and low reported sale prices of the Registrant's common stock on April 9, 1999, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market. (5) The exercise price of the Warrant, used for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act. (6) Of the total registration fee payable, $1,740.86 was previously paid in connection with the Registrant's initial filing of this Registration Statement with the Commission on February 26, 1999. 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. 3 Subject to Completion April 15, 1999 The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling stockholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. Up to 800,569 Shares of NEOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. Common Stock Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "NEOT." On April 14, 1999, the closing price of our common stock was $8.625. These shares of common stock are being sold by the holders of certain of our securities, which holders are listed under the heading "Selling Stockholders." The selling stockholders previously received the shares from us or will receive the shares from us by converting previously issued preferred stock or by exercising previously issued common stock purchase warrants. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sales of the shares by the selling stockholders. Although this prospectus covers up to 800,569 shares, only 381,278 shares of common stock are being offered by the selling stockholders as of the date of this prospectus. This number includes 306,278 shares that are issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock based on the initial conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock of $13.06, and 75,000 shares that are issuable upon exercise of warrants held by the selling stockholders. After May 29, 1999, the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment based on the trading price of the common stock during the thirty days prior to conversion. The actual number of shares of common stock which the selling stockholders will receive upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock could be materially more than 306,278 depending upon the future market price of our common stock as of the date the selling stockholders choose to convert their shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Investing in our common stock involves many risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 4. -------------- Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. -------------- The date of this prospectus is ________ __, 1999. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ---- Where You Can Find More Information..............................2 About NeoTherapeutics, Inc.......................................3 Risk Factors.....................................................4 Forward-Looking Statements.......................................9 Issuance of Common Stock to Selling Stockholders................10 Use of Proceeds.................................................10 Selling Stockholders............................................11 Plan of Distribution............................................12 Legal Matters...................................................13 Experts.........................................................13 Limitation of Liability and Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification For Securities Act Liabilities............13 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with them which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents instead of having to repeat the information in this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until the selling stockholders sell all the shares. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998; The definitive Proxy Statement of the Company filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act in Connection with the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company. Current Reports on Form 8-K filed January 28, 1999 and February 9, 1999; and The description of the Company's common stock contained in the Registration of Securities of Certain Successor Issuers filed pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act on Form 8-B on June 27, 1997, including any amendment or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. You can request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address: NeoTherapeutics, Inc. Attn: Investor Relations 157 Technology Drive Irvine, California 92618 (949) 788-6700 You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or any supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. 2 5 The selling stockholders will not make an offer of these shares in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any supplement or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate on any date other than the date on the front of those documents. This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC (Registration No. 333-73009). More information about the shares sold by the selling stockholders is contained in that registration statement and the exhibits filed along with the registration statement. Because information about contracts referred to in this prospectus is not always complete, you should read the full contracts which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement. You may read and copy the full registration statement and its exhibits at the SEC's public reference rooms or their web site. ABOUT NEOTHERAPEUTICS NeoTherapeutics, Inc. is a development stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic drugs intended to treat neurological diseases and conditions, such as memory deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease and aging, stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, migraine, depression and obesity. Our initial product candidate, Neotrofin(TM) (AIT-082, leteprinim potassium) and other compounds under development are based on our patented technology. This technology uses small synthetic molecules to create non-toxic compounds, intended to be administered orally or by injection, that are capable of passing through the blood-brain barrier to rapidly act upon specific target cells in specific locations in the central nervous system, including the brain. Animal and laboratory tests have shown that our AIT-082 compound appears to selectively increase the production of certain neurotrophic factors, a type of large protein, in the areas of the brain implicated in memory. These neurotrophic factors regulate nerve cell growth and function. Neotrofin(TM) (AIT-082) has been developed to capitalize on the beneficial effects of these proteins, which have been widely acknowledged to be closely involved in the early formation and differentiation of the central nervous system. NeoTherapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in Colorado in December 1987 and reincorporated in Delaware in June 1997. All references to "we," "our" or "NeoTherapeutics" refer to NeoTherapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Our executive offices are located at 157 Technology Drive, Irvine, California 92618. Our telephone number is (949) 788-6700. 3 6 RISK FACTORS An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information contained in this prospectus before deciding to invest in our common stock. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us or which we currently consider immaterial may also adversely affect our company. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose a part or all of your investment. Historical Operating Losses; Expected Continued Losses We are considered to be a development stage company because we have not generated revenues from sales. Moreover, even if we eventually generate revenues from sales, we nevertheless expect to incur significant operating losses over the next several years. From our inception in 1987 through December 31, 1998, we have incurred cumulative losses of approximately $23.8 million, almost all of which consisted of research and development and general and administrative expenses. Our ability to become profitable will depend on (1) our development of our proposed products, (2) our obtaining regulatory approvals for such products and (3) our success in bringing these products to market. Many factors have a bearing on our likelihood of long-term success. These include the expenses, difficulties and delays frequently encountered in the development and commercialization of new pharmaceutical products, competitive factors in the marketplace and the burdensome regulatory environment in which we operate. It is possible that we may never achieve significant revenues or become profitable. Early Stage of Product Development; Risk of Failure Our proposed products are in an early stage of development. They will require additional research and development, clinical testing and regulatory clearances. We do not currently sell any products and do not expect to have any products commercially available for at least several years. Our proposed products are subject to the risks of failure inherent in the development of pharmaceutical products based on innovative technologies. Some of these risks are that a proposed product (1) could be found to be ineffective or toxic, (2) may fail to receive necessary regulatory clearances, (3) will be uneconomical to manufacture or market, (4) may not be sold because of patent or other rights of third parties or (5) becomes unmarketable because a third party introduces a superior or equivalent product. As a result, we are unable to predict whether our research and development activities will result in any commercially viable products or applications. Our primary area of therapeutic focus, disorders of the central nervous system, is not thoroughly understood and we cannot be certain that our proposed products will prove to be safe or effective in treating such disorders or any other diseases. Need For Additional Funding; Uncertain Access To Capital We will require substantial additional capital to further develop our proposed products and to commercialize any products that may be developed. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including (1) the progress of our research and development programs, (2) the progress of pre-clinical and clinical testing, (3) the time and cost involved in obtaining regulatory approvals, (4) the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights, (5) competing technological and market developments and (6) our ability to establish collaborative and other arrangements with third parties, such as licensing and manufacturing agreements. On March 27, 1998, we entered into a Private Equity Line of Credit Agreement with a private investor (the "Equity Line Agreement"). Under the Equity Line Agreement the Company may sell shares of our common stock to the investor at a price equal to 88% of the market price of the common stock at the time of such sales, subject to certain limitations contained in the Equity Line Agreement. We believe that our existing capital resources, including the proceeds from any future sales of our common stock under the Equity Line Agreement, will be sufficient to satisfy our current and projected funding requirements for the next 12 months. Thereafter, we may require substantial additional capital. Moreover, if we experience unanticipated cash requirements during the next 12 months, we could require additional capital sooner. We may seek such additional funding through public or private financing or collaborative or other arrangements with third parties. 4 7 We cannot be certain that additional funds will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. From time to time, we may receive additional funds from the exercise of our outstanding warrants and stock options, but we cannot be certain that these will be exercised or that the amounts we receive will be sufficient for our purposes. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our existing stockholders may experience substantial dilution. We may be able to obtain additional funds through sales of our common stock under our Equity Line Agreement, but we may not be able to do so under certain circumstances. If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate one or more of our development programs. Alternatively, we may obtain funds by entering into arrangements with third parties. These arrangements may require us to relinquish rights to certain of our products or technologies that the we would not otherwise relinquish. Dependence on Third Parties for Clinical Testing, Manufacturing and Marketing Except with respect to our AIT-082 compound, we do not intend to conduct later-stage human clinical trials ourselves or to manufacture any of our proposed products for commercial sale, nor do we have the resources necessary to do so. We intend to seek larger pharmaceutical companies as partners to conduct such activities. In connection with our efforts to secure corporate partners, we will seek to retain certain co-marketing rights to certain of our proposed products, so that we may promote such products to selected medical specialists while our corporate partner promotes these products to the medical market generally. We cannot be certain that we will be able to enter into any such partnering arrangements on this or any other basis. In addition, we cannot be certain that we or our potential corporate partners can successfully introduce our proposed products or that such proposed products will achieve acceptance by patients, health care providers and insurance companies. Further, it is possible that we may not be able to manufacture and market our proposed products at prices that would permit us to make a profit. Lack of Operating Experience To date, we have engaged exclusively in the development of pharmaceutical technology and products. Our management has substantial experience in pharmaceutical company operations, but NeoTherapeutics itself has no experience in manufacturing or procuring products in commercial quantities or in marketing pharmaceutical products and has only limited experience in negotiating, setting up and maintaining strategic relationships, conducting clinical trials and other later-stage phases of the regulatory approval process. We cannot be certain that we will be able to successfully engage in any of these activities with respect to any of our proposed products which we may attempt to commercialize. If we decide to establish a commercial-scale manufacturing facility for AIT-082, we will require substantial additional funds and personnel and will be required to comply with extensive regulations applicable to such a facility. We cannot be certain that we will be able to successfully develop manufacturing or marketing capabilities either on our own or through third parties. Need to Comply with Governmental Regulation and to Obtain Product Approvals Various regulatory agencies in the United States and abroad regulate the testing, manufacturing, labeling, distribution, marketing and advertising of our proposed products and our ongoing research and development activities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") and comparable agencies in foreign countries impose many requirements on the introduction of new pharmaceutical products through lengthy and detailed clinical testing procedures, sampling activities and other costly and time consuming compliance procedures. Our proprietary compounds will require substantial clinical trials and FDA review as new drugs. We cannot predict with certainty when we might submit any of our proposed products currently under development for regulatory review. Once we submit a proposed product for review, there can be no assurance that FDA or other regulatory approvals for any of our proposed products will be granted on a timely basis, if at all. If we are delayed or fail to obtain such approvals, our business and results of operations would be damaged. If we fail to comply with regulatory requirements we could be subject to regulatory or judicial enforcement actions. These actions could result in product recalls or seizures, injunctions, civil penalties, criminal prosecution, refusals to approve new products and withdrawal of existing approvals, as well as potentially enhanced product liability exposure. If we sell our products outside the United States, we will be subject to regulatory requirements governing such sales. These requirements vary widely from country to country and could delay introduction of our proposed products in those countries. 5 8 Dependence on Key Personnel Our success will depend largely upon the contributions of our key management and scientific personnel. If we lose the services of any such personnel we could be delayed in or precluded from achieving our business objectives. Although we currently have key-man life insurance on Dr. Alvin Glasky in the face amount of $2 million, the loss of Dr. Glasky's services could substantially damage our business. We will need substantial additional expertise in such areas as finance and marketing, among others in order to achieve our business objective. Competition for qualified personnel among pharmaceutical companies is intense, and the loss of key personnel, or the inability to attract and retain the additional skilled personnel required for the expansion of our business, could damage our business. Uncertainty Regarding Patents and Proprietary Rights We actively pursue a policy of seeking patent protection for our proprietary products and technologies. We hold three United States patents and currently have five United States patent applications pending. In addition, we have numerous foreign patents corresponding to our first patent and have corresponding patent applications with respect to our second United States patent and pending United States patent applications which have been filed in various foreign jurisdictions. We cannot be certain that our patents will protect us against our competitors. We could be required to file suit to protect our patents, and we cannot be certain that we will have the resources necessary to pursue such litigation or otherwise to protect our patent rights. We also rely on trade secret protection for our unpatented proprietary technology. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. It is possible that others will independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or that such trade secrets will be disclosed. We have a policy requiring that our employees and consultants execute proprietary information agreements upon commencement of employment or consulting relationships. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the course of the relationship shall be kept confidential except in specified circumstances. However, these agreements may not successfully protect our trade secrets or other proprietary information. We cannot be certain that others will not assert claims against us based on patents held by others. Such claims, if brought, could seek damages as well as an injunction prohibiting clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing of the product at issue. Such claims may or may not be successful. If any such actions are successful, in addition to any potential liability for damages, we could be required to obtain a license in order to continue to manufacture or market the product at issue. It is possible that any license required under any such patent would not be made available on acceptable terms, if at all. There has been, and we believe that there will continue to be, significant litigation in the pharmaceutical industry regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. If we become involved in any litigation, a substantial portion of our financial and personnel resources could be consumed, regardless of the outcome of such litigation. Competition Competition in the pharmaceuticals market is intense. Many companies, both public and private, including well-known pharmaceutical companies, are engaged in the development of products for certain of the applications we are pursuing. Most of these companies have substantially greater financial, research and development, manufacturing and marketing experience and resources than we do and represent substantial long-term competition. In addition, numerous other companies are in the process of developing products for the treatment of diseases and disorders for which we are developing products. Such companies may develop pharmaceutical products that are more effective or less costly than any products which we may develop. Factors affecting competition in the pharmaceutical industry vary depending on the extent to which the competitor is able to achieve a competitive advantage based on proprietary technology. If we are able to establish and maintain a significant proprietary position with respect to our proposed products, competition will likely depend primarily on the effectiveness of the particular product and the number, gravity and severity of its unwanted side effects as compared to alternative products or treatments. 6 9 We compete in an industry which is characterized by extensive research and development efforts and rapid technological progress. Although we believe that our proprietary position may give us a competitive advantage with respect to our proposed products, new developments are expected to continue and it is possible that discoveries by others will render our potential products noncompetitive. Our competitive position also depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified scientific and other personnel, develop effective proprietary products, implement development and marketing plans, obtain patent protection and secure adequate capital resources. We cannot be certain that we will be able to do so. Risks Associated with Variable Conversion Rate of Series A Preferred Stock After May 29, 1999, the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock will be equal to the lesser of $13.06 per share of common stock or 101% of the average of the ten lowest closing bid prices of the common stock occurring in the 30 trading days preceding the particular conversion date. A decrease in the price of our common stock below the $13.06 maximum conversion price could result in the Series A Preferred Stock being convertible into more shares of common stock. Increased sales volume of our common stock could put downward pressure on the market price of our common stock. This fact could encourage holders of Series A Preferred Stock to sell short our common stock prior to conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, thereby potentially causing the market price to decline. The selling stockholders could then convert their Series A Preferred Stock and use the shares of common stock received upon conversion to cover their short position. The selling stockholders could thereby profit by the decline in the market price of the common stock caused by their short selling. Shares Eligible for Future Sale As of March 16, 1999, security holders held options and warrants which, if exercised, would obligate us to issue 4,206,332 shares of common stock. Substantially all of such shares, when issued upon exercise, will be available for immediate resale in the public market. In addition, under our existing Equity Line Agreement we are permitted, as of March 31, 1999, to issue up to an additional $10.50 million of our common stock during the remainder of its term. The shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and those which the Company may sell under our Equity Line Agreement will be available for immediate resale in the public market. The market price of our common stock could drop because of such resales. Dilutive and Other Effects of Future Equity Issuances If we issue additional equity securities in the future, such issuances may have a dilutive impact on our other stockholders. Additionally, such issuances would cause our net income (loss) per share to decrease in future periods. As a result, the market price of our common stock could drop. In addition, if we issue common stock under our Equity Line Agreement, it will be issued at a discount to its then-prevailing market price. These discounted sales could cause the market price of our common stock to drop. Risk of Product Liability Although we currently carry product liability insurance, it is possible that the amounts of such coverage will be insufficient to protect us from future claims. Further, we cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain or maintain additional insurance on acceptable terms for our clinical and commercial activities or that such additional insurance would be sufficient to cover any potential product liability claim or recall. Failure to maintain sufficient insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. 7 10 Use of Hazardous Materials Our research and development efforts involve the use of hazardous materials. We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the storage, use and disposal of such materials and certain waste products. We believe that our safety procedures for handling and disposing of such materials comply with the standards prescribed by federal, state and local regulations. However, we cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. If there was an accident, we could be held liable for any damages that result. Such liability could exceed our resources. We may incur substantially increased costs to comply with environmental regulations if we develop our own commercial manufacturing facility. Volatility of Stock Price The stock market from time to time experiences significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may cause the market price of our common stock to drop. In addition, the market price of our common stock is highly volatile. Factors that may cause the market price of our common stock to drop include fluctuations in our results of operations, timing and announcements of our technological innovations or new products or those or our competitors, FDA and foreign regulatory actions, developments with respect to patents and proprietary rights, public concern as to the safety of products developed by us or others, changes in health care policy in the United States and in foreign countries, changes in stock market analyst recommendations regarding our common stock, the pharmaceutical industry generally and general market conditions. In addition, the market price of our common stock may drop if our results of operations fail to meet the expectations of stock market analysts and investors. Control by Directors and Executive Officers Our directors and executive officers beneficially own in the aggregate approximately 27.2% of our outstanding common stock. These stockholders, if they acted together, would be able to exert substantial control over matters requiring approval by our stockholders. These matters would include the election of directors and the approval of mergers or other business combination transactions. This concentration of ownership may discourage or prevent someone from acquiring our business. Effect of Certain Charter and Bylaws Provisions Certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may make it more difficult for someone to acquire control of us. These provisions may make it more difficult for stockholders to take certain corporate actions and could delay or prevent someone from acquiring our business. These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock. The Year 2000 Issue The Year 2000 issue (the "Year 2000 Issue") in computers arises from the common industry practice of using two digits to represent a date in computer software code and databases to enhance both processing time and save storage space. Therefore, when dates in the year 2000 and beyond are indicated and computer programs read the date "00", the computer may default to the year "1900" rather than the correct "2000". This could result in incorrect calculations, faulty data and computer shutdowns, which would cause disruptions of operations. In addition, the year 2000 is a leap year and systems need to recognize it as such. We have completed an inventory and risk assessment of our internal information technology system applications (including voice and data systems), our internal non-IT facilities systems (including embedded software in environmental controls, security systems, fire protection systems, elevators and public utility connections for gas, electric and telephone systems), and embedded and external software contained in laboratory and other equipment that we believe could be adversely affected by the Year 2000 Issue. We believe that our internal systems are, at the present time, substantially compliant based upon internal systems tests, currently available information and reasonable assurance by our equipment and software vendors. Any costs to remediate Year 2000 Issues with regard to these systems are not anticipated to be material. In June of 1998, we began sending questionnaires to and/or contacting our outside vendors regarding their state of readiness with respect to identifying and remediating their Year 2000 Issues. We have completed our risk 8 11 assessment of our outside vendors and are currently reviewing their compliance. We can not be certain that our vendors will adequately address their Year 2000 Issues. Furthermore, we can not determine that third parties upon which our vendors depend will accomplish adequate remediation of their Year 2000 Issues. Except for our public utility service vendors, who have indicated that they expect to be in compliance by mid-1999, we believe that, with respect to the computer systems of our major outside vendors, should a Year 2000 Issue exist whereby a vendor was unable to address our needs, alternative vendors have been identified and are readily available that could furnish us with the same or similar supplies or services that we presently receive from these vendors without undue cost or expense. Based on currently available information, we believe that the impact of the Year 2000 Issue, as it relates to our internal operations, information systems and software applications will not be material. In the event we fail to successfully resolve our Year 2000 Issues with respect to our internal systems in a timely manner, we believe that, while such events would be disruptive to our operations in the short term, such circumstances would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations over the long term. However, failure of the major third parties, in particular the financial institutions with which we have significant banking and investment management relationships and our third party manufacturers, to be Year 2000 compliant could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations or business prospects. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's beliefs, and assumptions made by management. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict; therefore, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those noted in "Risk Factors" above and in the documents incorporated by reference. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 9 12 ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK TO SELLING STOCKHOLDERS On January 29, 1999 we entered into a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement with Westover Investments L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Montrose Investments Ltd., a Cayman Islands corporation. Under that agreement, we issued and sold a total of 400 shares of our 5% Series A Preferred Stock with Conversion Features and warrants to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock for cash consideration of $4.0 million. Under the agreement, we also have the option to sell $2.0 million of 5% Series B Preferred Stock with Conversion Features to Westover Investments L.P. and Montrose Investments Ltd. commencing 180 days after January 29, 1999, subject to certain conditions contained in the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement and the Certificate of Designation governing the Series A Preferred Stock with Conversion Features. During the first 120 days after the closing, the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock at an initial conversion price of $13.06 per share. Thereafter, the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at a conversion price equal to the lesser of $13.06 or 101% of the average of the ten lowest closing bid prices of the common stock occurring in the 30 trading days preceding the particular conversion. During the first 90 days after the closing, the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the selling stockholders, without limit. The Series A Preferred Stock that has not been converted as of the end of the first 90 days after closing may be converted thereafter in 25% cumulative monthly increments. Dividends at the rate of 5% per annum on the Series A Preferred Stock may be paid quarterly in cash or, at our option, accrued and paid in common stock at the time of conversion. The certificate of designation governing the Series A Preferred Stock prohibits any holder thereof from converting shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the extent that such conversion would result in such holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.999% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock following such conversion. Such restriction may be waived by the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock as to itself upon not less than 75 days' notice to the Company. In no event can all 400 shares of Series A Preferred Stock be converted into more than 1,450,000 shares of common stock. Additional features of the preferred stock include, among other things, a redemption feature at the Company's option if the common stock trades below a floor or above a ceiling price. The Series B Preferred Stock will contain terms and conditions for conversion substantially identical to the Series A Preferred Stock, except that the fixed conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock will be set at 125% of the average market value of the common stock for the fifteen trading days preceding the date of the second closing. In connection with the purchase of the Series A Preferred Stock, the investors also received warrants to purchase a total of 75,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $12.98 per share exercisable for a period of 5 years. Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement which we entered into with Westover Investments L.P. and Montrose Investments Ltd., we have filed a registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, in order to permit the selling stockholders to resell to the public the shares of common stock that they acquire upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock or upon any exercise of the warrants. The number of shares that we have registered is an estimate based upon the number of shares that would be issuable upon conversion assuming a conversion price equal to the conversion price that would have been applicable on April 12, 1999 without giving effect to the fixed initial conversion price of $13.06 per share, increased by a factor of 50% to cover potential downward movements in market price of the common stock. USE OF PROCEEDS The proceeds from the sale of the common stock will belong to the selling stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from such sales. 10 13 SELLING STOCKHOLDERS The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock by the selling stockholders as of April 12, 1999. The number of shares of common stock listed as beneficially owned by each selling stockholder and potentially offered by this prospectus represents the number of shares of common stock issuable to such stockholder upon the exercise of a warrant and upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such stockholder at the fixed initial conversion price of $13.06 per share. After May 29, 1999, the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock will fluctuate from time to time based on changes in the market price of the common stock and provisions in the formula for determining the conversion price. The certificate of designation governing the Series A Preferred Stock prohibits any holder thereof from converting shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the extent that such conversion would result in such holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.999% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock following such conversion. Such restriction may be waived by the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock as to itself upon not less than 75 days' notice to the Company. The cover page of this prospectus indicates that the selling stockholders may sell up to 800,569 shares of common stock. Such number is an estimate based upon the number of shares that would be issuable upon conversion assuming a conversion price equal to the conversion price that would have been applicable on April 12, 1999 without giving effect to the fixed initial conversion price of $13.06 per share, increased by a factor of 50% to cover potential downward movements in market price of the common stock. The number of shares stated on the cover page of this prospectus is not intended to constitute a prediction as to the future market price of the common stock or as to when selling stockholders will elect to convert their shares of Series A Preferred Stock. HBK Management L.L.C. ("HBK") is the beneficial owner of the securities indicated as held by Montrose Investments Ltd. and by Westover Investments L.P. by reason of HBK having sole voting and investment power over such securities, in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Number of Shares Number of Shares of Common Stock Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned of Common Stock Beneficially Owned Name Before Offering Offered Hereby Following the Offering(1) ---- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------------- % of Class ---------- Montrose Investments Ltd. 247,831(2) 247,831 0 0% Westover Investments L.P. 133,447(3) 133,447 0 0% - ---------------- 11 14 (1) Upon the completion of the offering and assuming the sale by the selling stockholders of all of the shares of common stock available for resale under this Prospectus, the selling stockholders will not own any of our outstanding common stock. (2) Includes 48,750 shares subject to a currently exercisable warrant held by Montrose Investments Ltd. (3) Includes 26,250 shares subject to a currently exercisable warrant held by Westover Investments L.P. 12 15 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The selling stockholders and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of the shares of common stock offered hereby on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares: - ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer \solicits purchasers; - block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; - purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; - an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; - privately negotiated transactions; - short sales; - broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; - a combination of any such methods of sale; and - any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus. The selling stockholders may also engage in short sales against the box, puts and calls and other transactions in securities of the Company or derivatives of Company securities and may sell or deliver shares in connection with these trades. The selling stockholders may pledge their shares to their brokers under the margin provisions of customer agreements. If a selling stockholder defaults on a margin loan, the broker may, from time to time, offer and sell the pledged shares. The selling stockholders have advised the Company that they have not entered into any agreements, understandings or arrangements with any underwriters or broker-dealers regarding the sale of their shares other than ordinary course brokerage arrangements, nor is there an underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of shares by the selling stockholders. Broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The selling stockholders do not expect these commissions and discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved. The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The Company is required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of the shares, including fees and disbursements of counsel to the selling stockholders. The Company has agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Upon the Company being notified by a selling stockholder that any material arrangement has been entered into 13 16 with a broker-dealer for the sale of shares through a block trade, special offering, exchange distribution or secondary distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, a supplement to this prospectus will be filed, if required, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, disclosing (i) the name of each such selling stockholder and of the participating broker-dealer(s), (ii) the number of shares involved, (iii) the price at which such shares were sold, (iv) the commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to such broker-dealer(s), where applicable, (v) that such broker-dealer(s) did not conduct any investigation to verify the information set out or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and (vi) other facts material to the transaction. In addition, upon the Company being notified by a selling stockholder that a donee or pledgee intends to sell more than 500 shares, a supplement to this prospectus will be filed. The Company has advised the selling stockholders that the anti-manipulative provisions of Regulation M promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 may apply to their sales of the shares offered hereby. LEGAL MATTERS The validity of the issuance of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Professional Corporation, Newport Beach, California. EXPERTS The consolidated financial statements of the Company incorporated by reference in this registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said report. Reference is made to said report which states that the Company is in the development stage, as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES Our by-laws provide for indemnification of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, by-laws and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), the Company has been informed that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in such Act and is therefore unenforceable. 14 17 ================================================================================ 800,569 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK NEOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. PROSPECTUS ___________ ___, 1999 ================================================================================ 18 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution - ----------------------------------------------------- The following sets forth the costs and expenses, all of which shall be borne by the Registrant, in connection with the offering of the securities pursuant to this Registration Statement: Registration Fee................................................. $ 1,893.52 Accounting Fees and Expenses..................................... $ 5,000.00 Legal Fees and Expenses.......................................... $ 20,000.00 Miscellaneous.................................................... $ 3,106.48 Total..................................................... $ 30,000.00 * Estimated Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. - ---------------------------------------------------- The by-laws of the Registrant provide for indemnification of the Registrant's directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation, by-laws and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in such Act and is therefore unenforceable. Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides that a certificate of incorporation may include a provision which eliminates or limits the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, relating to prohibited dividends or distributions or the repurchase or redemption of stock or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit. The Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation includes such a provision. As a result of this provision, the Registrant and its stockholders may be unable to obtain monetary damages from a director for breach of his or her duty of care. Item 16. Exhibits. Exhibits Description -------- ----------- 4.1 Certificate of Designation of 5% Series A Preferred Stock with Conversion Features.(1) 4.2 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 29, 1999, by and among Registrant, Westover Investments L.P. and Montrose Investments Ltd.(1) 4.3 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 29, 1999, by and among Registrant, Westover Investments L.P. and Montrose Investments Ltd.(1) 4.4 Form of Warrant issued by Registrant to Westover Investments L.P. and Montrose Investments Ltd. dated as of January 29, 1999.(1) 5.1 Opinion of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Professional Corporation. 23.1 Consent of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Professional Corporation (Included in Exhibit 5). II-1 19 Exhibits Description -------- ----------- 23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP. 24.1 Power of Attorney.(2) (1) Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to, and incorporated herein by reference from, the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 1999. (2) Previously filed as part of the signature page to this Registration Statement. Item 17. Undertakings. (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which it offers or sells securities, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to: (iii) Include any additional or changed information on the plan of distribution. (2) For determining liability under the Securities Act, treat each post-effective amendment as a new registration statement of the securities offered, and the offering of the securities at that time to be deemed the initial bona fide offering. (3) File a post-effective amendment to remove from registration any of the securities that remain unsold at the end of the offering. (e) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the small business issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the small business issuer 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. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the small business issuer of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the small business issuer 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 small business issuer 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. II-2 20 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 Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Irvine, State of California, on the 15th day of April, 1999. NEOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. By: /s/ Alvin J. Glasky, Ph.D. ------------------------------------- Alvin J. Glasky, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- /s/ Alvin J. Glasky, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer, April 15, 1999 - ------------------------------- President and Director Alvin J. Glasky, Ph.D. (principal executive officer) /s/ Samuel Gulko Chief Financial Officer, April 15, 1999 - ------------------------------- Secretary, Treasurer and Samuel Gulko Director (principal financial and accounting officer) /s/ Mark J. Glasky* Director April 15, 1999 - ------------------------------- Mark J. Glasky /s/ Frank M. Meeks* Director April 15, 1999 - ------------------------------- Frank M. Meeks /s/ Paul H. Silverman, Ph.D., Director April 15, 1999 - ------------------------------- D.Sc.* Paul H. Silverman, Ph.D., D.Sc. /s/ Carol O'Cleireacain, Ph.D.* Director April 15, 1999 - ------------------------------- Carol O'Cleireacain, Ph.D. II-3 21 Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- /s/ Eric L. Nelson, Ph.D.* Director April 15, 1999 - ----------------------------- Eric L. Nelson, Ph.D. /s/ Stephen Runnels* Director April 15, 1999 - ----------------------------- Stephen Runnels /s/ Joseph Rubinfeld, Ph.D.* Director April 15, 1999 - ----------------------------- Joseph Rubinfeld, Ph.D. *By: /s/ Samuel Gulko Samuel Gulko, Attorney-In-Fact II-4 22 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibits Description -------- ----------- 4.1 Certificate of Designation of 5% Series A Preferred Stock with Conversion Features.(1) 4.2 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 29, 1999, by and among Registrant, Westover Investments L.P. and Montrose Investments Ltd.(1) 4.3 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 29, 1999, by and among Registrant, Westover Investments L.P. and Montrose Investments Ltd.(1) 4.4 Form of Warrant issued by Registrant to Westover Investments L.P. and Montrose Investments Ltd. dated as of January 29, 1999.(1) 5.1 Opinion of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Professional Corporation. 23.1 Consent of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Professional Corporation (Included in Exhibit 5.1) 23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP. 24.1 Power of Attorney.(2) (1) Previously filed with the Commission as an Exhibit to, and incorporated herein by reference from, the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 1999. (2) Previously filed as part of the signature page to this Registration Statement.