AMENDED AND RESTATED U.S. CO-PROMOTION AGREEMENT

EX-10.1 3 a14-19914_1ex10d1.htm EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

 

*** CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED.

Confidential portions of this document have been redacted

and have been separately filed with the Commission.

 

Execution Version

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED U.S. CO-PROMOTION AGREEMENT

 

BETWEEN

 

Genzyme Corporation, with offices located at 500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142 (hereinafter referred to as “Genzyme”)

 

and

 

Veracyte, Inc., with offices located at 7000 Shoreline Ct., Ste. 250, South San Francisco, CA 94080 (hereinafter also referred to as “Veracyte”)

 

WHEREAS

 

A.                                      Veracyte has developed the Afirma® Thyroid FNA Analysis, which includes centralized cytopathology and molecular testing services for the assessment of thyroid nodules;

 

B.                                      Genzyme is engaged in the business of and has expertise in, among other things, the sales and marketing of Thyrogen® (thyrotropin alfa for injection), a product for patients with thyroid cancer;

 

C.                                      Veracyte and Genzyme entered into that certain Co-Promotion Agreement dated as of January 18, 2012 and amended as of April 9, 2013 (the “Prior Agreement”) to co-promote the Afirma Thyroid FNA Analysis in the United States and its territories and possessions (the “U.S.”) and in the countries in Territory B (as defined in the Prior Agreement); and

 

D.                                      Veracyte and Genzyme desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement as of the Amendment Effective Date to, among other things, change the terms and conditions of the co-promotion of the Afirma Thyroid FNA Analysis in the U.S. and eliminate the co-promotion of the Alfirma Thyroid FNA Analysis outside the U.S. subject to the parties’ obligation to negotiate in good faith to enter into a separate co-promotion agreement with respect to certain ex-U.S. countries under a separate agreement entered in by the parties simultaneously with this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

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SECTION 1 - DEFINITIONS

 

1.1                               In the terms defined herein, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.

 

Ad/Prom Materials” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.1.

 

Affiliate” shall mean any entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with another entity.  The term “control”, including the terms “controlled by” or “under common control with” means the possession of, directly or indirectly, the capability to control the direction of the management and policies of any entity, whether through the ownership of shares, by contract or otherwise.

 

Afirma” shall mean Afirma Thyroid FNA Analysis.

 

Agreement” shall mean this Amended and Restated U.S. Co-Promotion Agreement and its Exhibits.

 

Amendment Effective Date” shall mean January 1, 2015.

 

Annual Commercial Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.

 

Call” shall mean a face-to-face visit by a direct professional sales representative of Genzyme or its Affiliates or Veracyte or its Affiliates to a Healthcare Professional for the purposes of promoting the Test.  For the avoidance of doubt, visits primarily related to complaints or otherwise primarily related to customer service shall not be deemed “Calls”.

 

Call Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.2.

 

CAPAs” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8.2.

 

Change of Control” shall mean that (i) any person/entity controlling a party ceases to control that party; (ii) any person/entity not controlling a party obtains control of that party; (iii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any Person or group of related Persons (other than any Person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party) of beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of a party’s outstanding securities; (iv) a merger or consolidation in which securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of such party’s outstanding securities are transferred to a Person or Persons different from the Persons holding those securities immediately prior to such transaction; or (v) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of such party’s assets; provided, however, that in the case of Genzyme, if any of the foregoing occurs in connection with or as a result of reorganization or a transaction with Sanofi and/or another Affiliate, then it shall not be deemed a Change of Control for purposes of this Agreement.  The term “control”, including the term “controlling” means

 

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the possession of, directly or indirectly, the capability to control the direction of the management and policies of a party, whether through the ownership of shares, by contract or otherwise.  The term “Person” shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, business trust, association, joint stock company, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, governmental authority, or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.

 

CLIA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.1(e).

 

Collection Activities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.11.

 

Collection Kits” shall mean the sample collection and sample transport supplies intended for the collection and transport of human thyroid FNA samples for the Test, which may include, without limitation, collection tubes with preservation solution, slide holders, and sample shipment materials, as may be determined by Veracyte from time to time in a manner consistent with applicable laws and Marketing Authorizations.  For the avoidance of doubt, Collection Kits do not include syringes, needles or other devices for sample aspiration from patients or any other materials intended to come in physical contact with patients.

 

Commercially Reasonable Efforts” shall mean that level of effort which would be devoted by an independent entity seeking to expeditiously and diligently pursue its own business efforts in light of relevant circumstances, but in no case less than that level of efforts and resources, in such a manner, and with such expedition as a party itself would adopt in launching, promoting and detailing its own services or products with similar market value or potential as the Test, taking into consideration all relevant considerations, including without limitation patent protection or trade secret protection.  For the avoidance of doubt, the aforementioned examples of relevant considerations are not intended to be exhaustive and no one such consideration (such as the absence of patents or trade secret protection in a particular country alone) is intended to be determinative in and of itself of whether a party exercised the requisite level of diligence.

 

Complaint” shall mean a written, electronic or oral communication or expression of dissatisfaction that alleges deficiencies related to the Test (including Improvements), including, without limitation, identity, quality, labelling, safety, accuracy or performance of the Test.

 

Confidential Information” shall mean all information not known to the general public or of a confidential nature disclosed (in writing, verbally, electronically, or by any other means directly or indirectly) by or on behalf of one party (the “Disclosing Party”) to the other party (the “Receiving Party”) under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any information relating to (i) the manufacture, testing, price, Complaints about (except as are required to be disclosed to Regulatory Authorities), Marketing Authorizations for, customers of, or defects in, the Test, (ii) a party’s inventions, discoveries, improvements, methods, products, finances, operations, processes, plans, product information (including

 

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new or prototype products), know-how, design rights, trade secrets, market opportunities, regulatory information, customer and supplier information and business affairs, and (iii) the provision of the Test.

 

Detail Report” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.

 

Dutch Study” shall mean the clinical studies conducted in accordance with the clinical trial protocols entitled “Clinical Management of Patients with Cytopathology Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Retrospective Study” and “Clinical Management of Patients with Afirma Gene Express Classifier for Thyroid Nodules with Indeterminate FNA Cytopathology.”

 

Extended Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.1.

 

FNA” shall mean fine needle aspiration biopsy(ies).

 

FTE” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

 

Future Test” shall mean any product or service, other than the Test, and all improvements to such product or service, that Veracyte owns, controls or has rights to at any time during the Term, that (i) is/are for additional thyroid cancer diagnosis or treatment applications including, without limitation, tests developed on cytopathology diagnoses other than Indeterminate, and (ii) require(s) one or more additional clinical study(s) in order to obtain Marketing Authorization or, if Marketing Authorization is not required, to effectively compete in the market.  For purposes of clarity, Future Test does not include any product or service used outside of the field of thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, including, without limitation, the diagnosis or treatment of any other tissues, organs, or systems or any other diseases or conditions.

 

GAAP” shall mean then-current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.

 

Genzyme Activities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.1.

 

Genzyme Trademarks” shall mean Trademarks of Genzyme.

 

Healthcare Professionals” shall mean (i) health care providers qualified to prescribe, recommend, or perform diagnostic testing for thyroid cancer, in each case who are authorized by applicable law to authorize, utilize, or prescribe the Test and (ii) any associated staff who need to be educated about the Test (including without limitation logistics related to the Test), including but not limited to nurses, laboratory technicians, physician assistants, and administrative staff.

 

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HIPAA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.

 

Improvement(s)” shall mean any and all modifications, variations, revisions or other improvements to the Test that: (i) are not otherwise described in the Veracyte Intellectual Property as of the Original Effective Date; (ii) are made during the Term of this Agreement, by or on behalf of Veracyte, its Affiliates or any employees, consultants or other persons under Veracyte’s direction or control; and (iii) are commercialized or offered for sale by Veracyte or its Affiliates including, without limitation, any product or service sold under the name “Afirma”, during the Term of this Agreement in the Territory.  For purposes of clarity, Improvements shall not include Future Tests.

 

Indeterminate” shall mean, as of the Original Effective Date, the following: follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS)/atypia, follicular/Hurthle cell neoplasm or suspicious for follicular/Hurthle cell neoplasm, and suspicious for malignancy.  The definition of Indeterminate may be updated and amended in writing as reasonably determined by Veracyte in good faith, including based on applicable regulatory or clinical practice guidelines or market needs.

 

Initial Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.1.

 

Intellectual Property Rights” shall mean all rights, privileges and priorities provided under federal, state, foreign and multinational law relating to intellectual property, including without limitation all (i) (A) U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, inventions, discoveries, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, processes, formulae, designs, methods, techniques, procedures, concepts, developments, technology, new and useful improvements thereof and know-how relating thereto, whether or not patented or patentable; (B) copyrights and works of authorship, including computer applications, programs, software, hardware, files, mask works, compilations, databases, documentation and related items; (C) trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, URLs, email addresses, brand names, corporate names, logos and trade dress and the goodwill of any business symbolized thereby; (D) trade secrets, drawings, lists and all other proprietary, nonpublic or confidential information, documents or materials in any media; and (ii) all registrations, applications, recordings and other legal protections or rights related to the foregoing.

 

Labeled Uses” shall mean the diagnostic indications covered by the Marketing Authorization for the Test or, in the absence of any such Marketing Authorization in the Territory, the supporting clinical documentation approved by Veracyte.

 

Lead” shall mean a Healthcare Professional account that may be reasonably appropriate for Calls.

 

Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.1.

 

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Marketing Authorization” shall mean the regulatory authorization required to market and sell the Test in the Territory, if any.

 

Minimum Call Requirement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.1.

 

Minimum Talks Requirement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.3.

 

Net Revenues” shall mean actual cash received by Veracyte from the sale of Tests in the Territory, including, but not limited to, cash paid on payor claims and out-of-pocket payments by patients.  For clarity, (a) Veracyte’s Test Processing Costs for the Test shall not be deducted in the calculation of Net Revenues, (b) any royalties, licensing fees, damages, or settlement costs paid in order to obtain or maintain rights to a third party’s Intellectual Property Rights, which rights are necessary or useful for using, processing, making or commercializing the Test, shall not be deducted in the calculation of Net Revenues, and (c) any costs or royalties (owed to a third party) associated with a third party’s performance of any part(s) of Veracyte’s responsibilities under this Agreement shall not be deducted in the calculation of Net Revenues.

 

New Genzyme Product” shall have the meaning set forth in 3.1.3.

 

Original Effective Date” shall mean January 18, 2012.

 

Prior Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Promotion Fees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

 

Qualified Regulatory Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.4.

 

Quarterly Net Revenue Report” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.

 

RE Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.1.

 

Regulatory Authority” shall mean the authority or agency responsible for granting a Marketing Authorization or approving the provision and provider of the Test.

 

Regulatory Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.4.

 

Regulatory Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.1.

 

Sales Force Maintenance Default” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

 

Steering Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Subject Products” shall mean Thyrogen and any New Genzyme Product, but excludes any Third Genzyme Product.

 

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Term” shall mean the Initial Term and the Extended Term, if any.

 

Territory” shall mean the United States and its territories and possessions.

 

Territory Sales Force FTEs” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

 

Test” shall mean the Afirma service that includes the assessment of thyroid nodule FNAs by cytopathology and/or the assessment of cytopathology Indeterminate FNAs by the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier to reclassify the nodule as benign or suspicious for malignancy, including any Improvements thereto.  The term “Test” includes the utilization of the Collection Kits, preparation, analysis and reporting of patient results and for the avoidance of doubt does not include any devices used for sample aspiration from the patient.  Any second or subsequent generation of the Afirma service will be included in the definition of “Test”.

 

Test Processing Costs” shall mean all direct and indirect costs incurred  by Veracyte for activities associated with the collection of FNAs and processing (including, without limitation, direct costs associated with finishing processes such as packaging, labelling and other preparation, quality assurance, quality control, testing, storage and shipping) of the Test including, without limitation, costs of labor (including, but not limited to, salaries, bonuses, benefits and stock-based compensation), raw materials, supplies, services, license and royalty fees, costs associated with third party cytopathology laboratory services, and other resources directly consumed or used in the conduct of the applicable activity and any fees payable to any third party to the extent attributable to the collection of FNAs and processing of the Test,  and all indirect costs including without limitation costs of indirect labor (including but not limited to salaries, bonuses, benefits and stock-based compensation), facilities, utilities, insurance, administrative costs, and facility and equipment depreciation and amortization, where applicable to the extent directly related to the applicable activity, allocated consistent with GAAP and as historically applied by Veracyte prior to the Original Effective Date of this Agreement.  All such cost determinations shall be made in accordance with GAAP and shall be supported by appropriate documentation.

 

Third Genzyme Product” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.

 

Thyrogen” shall mean Thyrogen® (thyrotropin alfa for injection) and any and all modifications, variations, revisions, uses or other improvements thereto.

 

Trademarks” shall mean all registered trademarks, trademarks or trade names (whether or not appearing in large print or with the trademark symbol) of Genzyme and Veracyte and their respective Affiliates, licensors or joint venture partners, as applicable, listed on Exhibit B.  The use of these Trademarks or any other materials, except as permitted by this Agreement, is expressly prohibited and may be in violation of copyright law, trademark law or other proprietary rights of Genzyme or Veracyte.  Exhibit B shall be

 

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updated and amended by the parties in writing in the event that (a) Veracyte adopts a new Trademark for use in connection with Improvements or any Future Tests that is added to this Agreement pursuant to Section 2.5, (b) Genzyme adds an additional product to the portfolio pursuant to Section 3.1.3 and (c) either party uses a new Trademark for the portion of its business operations related to the co-promotion of the Test.

 

U.S.” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Veracyte Intellectual Property” shall mean any and all Intellectual Property Rights exclusively or non-exclusively (with the right to grant sublicenses) owned or controlled by Veracyte or its Affiliates during the Term that are required for Genzyme to carry out its obligations to promote, market and detail the Test under this Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, Veracyte Intellectual Property includes any Intellectual Property Rights related to Improvements required to promote, market and detail any such Improvements to the Test.  The Veracyte Intellectual Property includes the patents and patent applications identified in Exhibit A, as well as any patent or patent application that claims priority to any such patent or patent application.  Veracyte shall promptly update Exhibit A from time to time as appropriate to list any additional patents and patent applications that existed as of the Amendment Effective Date but were not included in Exhibit A (if any) or are conceived, developed or acquired by or on behalf of Veracyte or its Affiliates after the Amendment Effective Date that constitute Veracyte Intellectual Property.

 

Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property” shall mean any and all Veracyte Intellectual Property exclusively owned or controlled by Veracyte including the patents and patent applications indicated on Exhibit A, including without limitation their foreign counterparts.

 

SECTION 2 - GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS

 

2.1                               Grant of Rights.

 

2.1.1                     Subject to the terms of this Agreement and subject to Veracyte’s retained rights under Section 2.1.2, Veracyte hereby grants to Genzyme and its Affiliates (to the extent such Affiliates are promoting, marketing, and detailing the Test hereunder), on a co-exclusive basis in the Territory, the right and license under the Veracyte Intellectual Property to promote, market and detail the Test in the Territory during the Term and to conduct its obligations under this Agreement as permitted under and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

2.1.2                     Notwithstanding anything contained herein, or elsewhere, to the contrary, the license grant to Genzyme and its Affiliates (to the extent such Affiliates are granted a license grant pursuant to Section 2.1.1) is expressly made subject to Veracyte’s reservation of the right to promote, market, detail, make, have made, use, sell, offer for sale, import and export the Test in the Territory.  Except as expressly set forth hereunder, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to

 

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grant to Genzyme or its Affiliates by implication, estoppel or otherwise any licenses under Intellectual Property Rights owned or controlled by Veracyte other than the Veracyte Intellectual Property.

 

2.2                               Use of Trademarks.

 

2.2.1                     Veracyte hereby grants to Genzyme and its Affiliates a non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use the Trademarks of Veracyte solely in connection with performing its obligations hereunder.  Genzyme hereby grants to Veracyte and its Affiliates a non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use the Trademarks of Genzyme solely in connection with performing its obligations hereunder.  Genzyme and its Affiliates may use the Veracyte Trademarks on leaflets, brochures, advertising and other promotional material that describe the Test and products promoted, marketed and detailed by the Genzyme sales force promoting the Test.  Veracyte and its Affiliates may use the Genzyme Trademarks on leaflets, brochures, advertising and other promotional and sales materials that describe the Test and products promoted by the Genzyme sales force promoting the Test.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any usage of a party’s Trademarks by the other party must be approved in advance by the party who owns the Trademarks, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned.  It is understood and agreed that neither party shall use the other party’s Trademarks in Test labeling (which includes without limitation Collection Kit packaging, labels and package inserts, laboratory requisitions, and patient report forms) unless otherwise required by applicable laws and regulations (in which case the prior approval must still be obtained for such usage pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence).

 

2.2.2                     Each party shall use the Trademarks only for the purposes authorized hereunder and, in particular, shall not use the Trademarks in a manner that would reduce or diminish the reputation, image and distinctiveness of the Trademarks.

 

2.2.3                     Neither party shall, by virtue of this Agreement, obtain or claim any right, title or interest in or to the Trademarks of the other party, except the rights of use as are specifically set out herein, and each party hereby acknowledges and agrees that the goodwill arising from such use shall at all times inure for the benefit of the existing owner of the Trademark.

 

2.2.4                     Neither party shall adopt or use any trademark, symbol or device which includes or which is confusingly similar to, or is a simulation or colorable imitation of, any of the Trademarks.  Neither party shall apply to register the Trademarks or any trademark so nearly resembling them or any of them as may be likely to cause confusion and nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to give either party any such right.

 

2.2.5                     Each party shall, promptly upon written request by the other party, submit to the requesting party samples of any packaging, leaflets, brochures, advertising,

 

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promotional material and any other material relating to the Test necessary in order to monitor such party’s compliance with its obligations hereunder.  Each party shall use the other party’s Trademarks in such font, form, color, size or other representation as are promptly approved in writing by such other party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

2.2.6                     Nothing in this Agreement shall entitle Genzyme or Veracyte to use the other party’s Trademarks as part of any corporate business or trading name or logo or to use the Trademarks or any marks which are similar to the Trademarks in respect of any goods which are similar to the Test without the express written consent of the other party.

 

2.2.7                     Each party shall ensure that whenever it uses the Trademarks of the other party, the party shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to ensure that such Trademarks accompanied by the appropriate wording and symbols (® or TM) necessary to either show that the Trademarks are registered trademarks or trademarks, as the case may be, of the other party or to otherwise protect such Trademarks.

 

2.2.8                     Genzyme shall give Veracyte prompt written notice of any infringement or threatened infringement of any Trademarks of Veracyte used in connection with this Agreement that it becomes aware of, and Veracyte shall give Genzyme prompt written notice of any infringement or threatened infringement of any of the Trademarks of Genzyme used in connection with this Agreement that it becomes aware of.  Veracyte shall determine in its sole discretion what action, if any, to take in response to the infringement or threatened infringement of any Veracyte Trademark.  Genzyme shall determine in its sole discretion what action, if any, to take in response to the infringement or threatened infringement of any Genzyme Trademark.

 

2.3                               [Reserved.]

 

2.4                               Covenants Not to Compete.

 

2.4.1                     During the Term of this Agreement, Genzyme and its Affiliates (including, without limitation, Sanofi) shall not, directly or indirectly, market, promote, detail, perform or process for commercial use, sell or offer for sale, import or commercialize any diagnostic test, diagnostic service, or diagnostic product in any country in the world that is either for the assessment of thyroid nodules, or that otherwise competes with the Test (or any Improvements thereto) in any way.  For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 2.4.1 shall not prohibit Genzyme or its Affiliates (including, without limitation, Sanofi), from marketing, promoting, selling, offering to sell, importing or commercializing Thyrogen.

 

2.4.2                     During the Term of this Agreement, Veracyte and its Affiliates shall not, directly or indirectly, market, promote, detail, perform or process for commercial use, sell

 

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or offer for sale, import or commercialize any test, service, or product in any country in the world that competes with Thyrogen:

 

(a)                                 in Thyrogen’s labelled indications described below,

 

(b)                                 as a therapy for treating multinodular goiter or

 

(c)                                  in any future labeled indications for Thyrogen approved by the regulatory authorities for such country (with it being understood that if Veracyte or any of its Affiliates directly or indirectly conducts research, product development, or clinical studies, or otherwise  markets, promotes, details, performs or processes for commercial use, sells or offers for sale, imports or commercializes any test, product or service for an indication (other than solely for multinodular goiter) that is not an approved labelled indication for Thyrogen at the time Veracyte or its Affiliate, as the case may be, has commenced such activities and such indication is subsequently included in the approved labelled uses for Thyrogen, then Veracyte or its Affiliates, as the case may be, may continue such activities without being deemed to be in violation of this Section 2.4.2).

 

Thyrogen is indicated for use as (i) an adjunctive diagnostic tool for serum thyroglobulin (Tg) testing with or without radioiodine imaging in the follow-up of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer and (ii) an adjunctive treatment for radioiodine ablation of thyroid tissue remnants in patients who have undergone a near-total or total thyroidectomy for well-differentiated thyroid cancer and who do not have evidence of metastatic thyroid cancer.  For the avoidance of doubt, Veracyte’s obligations under this Section 2.4.2 shall include commercial substitutes for Thyrogen (including without limitation low functional sensitivity assays, any form of recombinant thyroid stimulating hormones or modified formulations thereof) whether or not the labeled use for such substitute overlaps with the then-current Thyrogen label.  It is understood and agreed that this Section 2.4.2 shall not prohibit Veracyte or its Affiliates from marketing, promoting, selling, offering to sell, importing or commercializing (A) the Test or (B) any Future Test that does not directly compete with Thyrogen as described above.

 

2.5                               Right of First Offer.  If during the Term of the Agreement (i) Veracyte owns or controls a Future Test and (ii) Veracyte decides to commercialize such Future Test in the Territory, Veracyte will offer Genzyme the first opportunity to obtain the right to co-promote such Future Test in the Territory.  In such case, the following procedure shall apply:

 

2.5.1                     Within ten (10) business days after its decision under Section 2.5(ii) above, Veracyte shall invite Genzyme in writing to enter into negotiations, setting forth, in such invitation, Veracyte’s proposed terms for co-promotion of the Future Test and any and all information about such Future Test as is reasonably requested by Genzyme;

 

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2.5.2                     If Genzyme wishes to enter into such negotiations, Genzyme shall, within thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of Veracyte’s invitation, deliver to Veracyte written notice of Genzyme’s intent to negotiate for rights to said Future Test.  Promptly after receipt of such notice, the parties shall commence good faith negotiations exclusively with each other for a period not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the date Genzyme gives the requisite notice to Veracyte (unless extended by mutual written agreement of the parties); and

 

2.5.3                     If Genzyme does not deliver to Veracyte written notice of its intent to negotiate for such rights within such thirty (30) calendar day period, then Veracyte shall be free to negotiate and enter into a co-promotion agreement or similar agreement for the relevant Future Test and the Territory with any third party unless such Future Test directly competes with Thyrogen as described in Section 2.4.2 above.

 

2.5.4                     If Veracyte and Genzyme do not enter into a legally binding, written agreement within the said one hundred twenty (120) calendar day period (and such period has not been extended by mutual written agreement of the parties), Veracyte shall be free to negotiate and enter into a co-promotion agreement or similar agreement for the relevant Future Test and the Territory with any third party on terms (considered as a whole) not materially more favorable than the one last offered to Genzyme unless such Future Test directly competes with Thyrogen as described in Section 2.4.2 above.

 

2.5.5                     It is the understanding of the parties that the following transactions shall not be subject to the Right of First Offer described in this Section 2.5:  (i) any Change of Control transaction involving Veracyte, including any proposed merger, acquisition, or sale of all or substantially all the assets of Veracyte; or (ii) any bona fide financing transaction for Veracyte.

 

SECTION 3 — GENZYME’S UNDERTAKINGS

 

3.1                               Genzyme’s Roles and Responsibilities.

 

3.1.1                     Genzyme Sales Efforts and Activities.  Subject to the provisions of and during the Term of this Agreement, Genzyme and, to the extent any of its Affiliates employ sales and marketing personnel used to promote, market, sell, or detail Thyrogen, or otherwise promotes, markets, sells, or details Thyrogen, such Affiliates shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to market, promote and detail the Test to Healthcare Professionals for the Labeled Uses (if and as applicable) in the Territory.  Genzyme’s activities to market, promote and detail the Test to Healthcare Professionals in the Territory shall solely be limited to (i) Lead generation and identification, (ii) Lead qualification, (iii) Calls intended to convince the applicable Healthcare Professional of the benefits of the Test, and (iv) Healthcare Professional account support and maintenance, including maintaining conversion ((i) through (iv) collectively “Genzyme Activities”).  Genzyme shall reasonably consider any input provided by Veracyte regarding

 

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*** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.

 

such activities.  Genzyme shall make an average of *** (***) or more Calls per Territory Sales Force FTE during each calendar quarter (“Minimum Call Requirement”).  If Genzyme fails to satisfy the Minimum Call Requirement for a calendar quarter to a substantial degree, defined as a 20% or greater shortfall from the Minimum Call Requirement for that calendar quarter, and fails to cure such failure (cure meaning to conduct the number of calls by which Genzyme fell more than 20% short of the Minimum Call Requirement in the such calendar quarter) in the next complete calendar quarter that commences not less than one (1) month following Genzyme’s receipt of written notice from Veracyte of such shortfall, then Veracyte may terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 11.2.2.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, however, Genzyme will be deemed to have fulfilled its obligation to use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to market, promote and detail the Test so long as it is in compliance with the Minimum Call Requirement and Minimum Talks Requirement.

 

3.1.2                     Call Position.  During Calls, in addition to the Test, Subject Products may be presented, but the promotional message involving the Test must be presented in a substantive manner in the first, second or third position (the “Call Obligations”).  Genzyme and its Affiliates shall observe the Call Obligations on Calls conducted by their respective sales forces used to promote Thyrogen in the Territory unless otherwise agreed by Veracyte in writing in its sole discretion.

 

3.1.3                     New Genzyme Products.  It is acknowledged by the parties that Genzyme has stated that it intends to use its and its Affiliates’ sales and marketing personnel that promote, market and detail Thyrogen to promote, market and detail another Genzyme product, in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement after it receives marketing approvals from the Regulatory Authorities (any such product so promoted by such sales force, a “New Genzyme Product”).  If, at any time during the Term, Genzyme desires to add a product other than the New Genzyme Product (a “Third Genzyme Product”) to the portfolio of products promoted by the sales force that is promoting, marketing and detailing the Test and Thyrogen (other than pursuant to Section 2.5), Genzyme will obtain Veracyte’s written consent to add such Third Genzyme Product to the portfolio as soon as practicable prior to doing so, provided, however, that if (a) such product is in the field of thyroid cancer, (b) the addition of such product would not affect Genzyme or its Affiliates’ ability to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, and (c) the addition of such product would not otherwise violate the terms and conditions of this Agreement, then Veracyte shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent.  The exact number, targeting and frequency of Calls to be provided by Genzyme and Veracyte (if applicable) will be determined by the Steering Committee and stated in the Annual Commercial Plan.  Genzyme shall reasonably consider any input provided by Veracyte regarding Calls.

 

3.1.4                     Compliance.  In performing their duties hereunder, Genzyme and its Affiliates shall, and shall cause their respective employees and agents who perform

 

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*** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.

 

activities related to the Test to, comply with all reasonable policies and directives issued by Veracyte from time to time with respect to the Test (provided that such polices and directives are compliant with applicable local laws and regulations, the Labeled Uses and the Marketing Authorizations) and with all applicable regulatory, professional and legal requirements which may be applicable to the services to be provided by Genzyme hereunder.  Neither Genzyme nor its Affiliates, nor any of their respective employees and agents, shall make any claim, representation, statement, warranty or guaranty with respect to the Test that is not consistent with the then current Labeled Uses, this Agreement or the advertising and promotional materials approved by the Steering Committee, that is deceptive or misleading or that disparages the Test or the good name, goodwill and reputation of Veracyte.  Genzyme and its Affiliates shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to ensure that any services provided hereunder will be provided in a professional, ethical and competent manner.

 

3.1.5                     Costs.  Genzyme shall be solely responsible for the costs and expenses of establishing and maintaining Genzyme’s and its Affiliates’ sales force (including travel related costs), and conducting its other activities under this Agreement; provided, however, that such training shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.3.

 

3.1.6                     Review of Promotional and Training Materials.  To the extent practicable, all promotional and training materials provided to any of Genzyme’s or its Affiliates’ sales representatives regarding strategy, positioning or selling messages for the Test will be subject to review and approval by the Steering Committee.  At any time during the Term, the Steering Committee may delegate a representative from each party to assume the responsibilities set forth in this Section 3.1.6.

 

3.2                               Annual Commercial Plan.  The Steering Committee has approved the Annual Commercial Plan for the calendar year commencing on January 1, 2015.  Before April 1st of each calendar year commencing in the year 2015, Genzyme and Veracyte shall jointly submit an initial draft of a commercial plan for the subsequent calendar year (each, an “Annual Commercial Plan”) to the Steering Committee for review and comment.  Before October 1st of each calendar year commencing in the year 2015, Genzyme and Veracyte shall jointly submit a final draft of the Annual Commercial Plan for the subsequent calendar year to the Steering Committee for approval.  Before November 15th of each calendar year commencing in the year 2015, the Steering Committee shall approve the final Annual Commercial Plan for the subsequent calendar year.  The Annual Commercial Plan will specify in reasonable detail all marketing and promotional activities that Genzyme (and, where applicable, Veracyte) will undertake in the Territory during the relevant calendar year.  Each Annual Commercial Plan must include, without limitation, the following: (a) the minimum number of quarterly and annual Calls to be provided by Genzyme and Veracyte, which in the case of Genzyme shall not be less than or exceed an average of *** Calls per Territory Sales Force FTE per calendar quarter and *** Calls per Territory Sales Force FTE per calendar year; (b) Test positioning, strategy and tactics with supporting

 

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advertising and promotional activity to be undertaken; (c) a determination of the Healthcare Professional accounts that are appropriate and are not appropriate for Calls; (d) any training programs to be conducted; (e) medical and education programs to be conducted; (f) professional and trade relations activities; (g) any information to be specifically included in any Detail Report (as defined in Section 3.5 hereof); (h) specifications for the development of promotional and training materials (including the specific types of such materials to be developed); (i) projections for rebates and discounts for the Test; (j) such other information relating to the marketing and sales of the Test as deemed advisable by the Steering Committee; (k) the projected budget for all of the activities and materials anticipated under such plan, including without limitation projected gross billings and Net Revenues (in each case for both cytopathology and the molecular testing), projected billing rates by payor, and a breakdown of the projected costs for the activities and materials anticipated under the Annual Commercial Plan; and (l) a three (3) year rolling sales forecast.  Neither party shall make any material change in any previously approved Annual Commercial Plan without the prior written approval of the Steering Committee.

 

3.3                               Sales Force.  Genzyme and its Affiliates shall directly employ a sufficient number of suitably qualified and trained personnel to ensure the fulfilment of Genzyme’s obligations under this Agreement, provided, however, that in the Territory, the full time equivalent (“FTE”) number of such personnel (the “Territory Sales Force FTEs”) shall be substantially similar to the number of sales personnel that exists as of the Amendment Effective Date in the Territory as described on Exhibit D.  If, at any time and without the prior written consent of Veracyte (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), the number of Territory Sales Force FTEs is materially reduced from the number of FTEs set forth on Exhibit D (a “Sales Force Maintenance Default”), Veracyte may deliver a written notice to Genzyme notifying it of such Sales Force Maintenance Default, requiring it to cure such default and stating its intention to terminate this Agreement if such default is not cured.  If the Sales Force Maintenance Default is not cured within three (3) months after receipt of such notice, Veracyte may terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 11.2.2.

 

3.4                               Funding Commitments.  Genzyme shall fund the Dutch Study in accordance with the protocol and budget of the Dutch Study existing as of the Amendment Effective Date; provided, however, Genzyme shall not be required to fund any costs incurred in the performance of the Dutch Study following December 31, 2015; and provided further Genzyme shall not be required to fund any costs incurred in the performance of the Dutch Study in excess of $170,000.  For the avoidance of doubt, (i) funding of the Dutch Study after December 31, 2015 or in excess of $170,000 shall be Veracyte’s sole responsibility and at Veracyte’s sole option, and (ii) the funding provided by Genzyme under this Section 3.4 shall satisfy in full Genzyme’s obligations under Section 3.4 of the Prior Agreement.

 

3.5                               Access to Reporting Data.  Veracyte shall give Genzyme access to its CRM system and permit Genzyme to read, review and extract data that Genzyme deems necessary to

 

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conduct its obligations under this Agreement. Genzyme shall provide Veracyte with data files on a monthly basis that include information necessary for Veracyte to track sales metrics of FTEs, including without limitation quarterly FTE call requirements, and other relevant data in a format that may be integrated into Veracyte’s CRM system. Such information available to each party shall include the following information regarding the efforts of Genzyme and its Affiliates’ or Veracyte and its Affiliates sales forces, as applicable, in promoting, marketing and detailing the Test during the preceding quarter (or part thereof) for the Territory:

 

(a)                                 physician-level Call activity, including the number and frequency of Calls; and

 

(b)                                 such further information as agreed upon by the parties.

 

All such data obtained shall be treated as Confidential Information of the party from whom such data is obtained and shall be maintained by the other party in accordance with Section 7 hereof.  In addition, the parties may periodically discuss current Leads and marketing intelligence.

 

3.6                               Advertising and Promotional Materials; Medical Affairs.

 

3.6.1                     Ad/Prom Materials.  All advertising and promotional materials for the Test (“Ad/Prom Materials”) authorized by the Steering Committee pursuant to Section 5.2.2 shall be created and developed by Veracyte, and Veracyte shall reasonably consider any input provided by the Steering Committee or Genzyme.  Except as provided below, neither party may use any Ad/Prom Materials that have not been previously approved by the Steering Committee.  The Steering Committee may delegate such authorization and approval of Ad/Prom Materials to the marketing review committees of each of Genzyme and Veracyte, and if the marketing review committees of both parties separately approve the Ad/Prom Materials, the Steering Committee shall be deemed to have approved such Ad/Prom Materials. At its sole cost and expense during the Term, Genzyme shall produce, print and distribute all Ad/Prom Materials intended for use by the Genzyme sales force and the Veracyte sales force in the Territory, based on English language content developed by Veracyte, and in accordance with Genzyme’s reasonable policies and procedures; provided, however, in the event of a material increase (defined as a 20% or greater increase) in the size of the Veracyte sales force, the cost and expense of production, printing and distribution of Ad/Prom Materials to accommodate such material increase in the size of the Veracyte sales force shall be solely borne by Veracyte.  Veracyte shall be solely responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the production, printing and distribution of all other Ad/Prom Materials and for any other costs associated with the advertising, promoting and marketing of the Test, including advertisements, mailings and medical education activities.  Genzyme shall reasonably consider any input provided by the Steering Committee or Veracyte regarding such materials for future productions and printings of such materials.  In the event that the Steering Committee does not

 

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approve a particular type or form of Ad/Prom Material under Section 5.2.2 but one party still desires to create such type or form of material, such party may do so at it sole expense; provided, however, that such party must obtain Steering Committee review and approval of such Ad/Prom Material prior to any use thereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Veracyte may create and use Ad/Prom Materials at its sole expense that do not reference Genzyme, any Genzyme Trademark, Thyrogen or any Genzyme product, without the approval of the Steering Committee; provided, however, Veracyte must provide a copy of such Ad/Prom Materials to Genzyme’s Business Head of Endocrinology or her designee reasonably in advance of the first use of such Ad/Prom Materials and reasonably consider any input provided by Genzyme regarding such Ad/Prom Materials; and provided further that Veracyte’s creation and use of such Ad/Prom Materials will not be deemed approval by the Steering Committee of such Ad/Prom Materials for use by Genzyme.  All Ad/Prom Materials produced by Genzyme under this Agreement are and shall remain the property of Genzyme; provided, however, that as between the parties hereto and except as expressly provided otherwise elsewhere in this Agreement, Veracyte shall exclusively own all right, title and interest in all Intellectual Property Rights in all Ad/Prom Materials, except for any content specifically related to Thyrogen or other Genzyme products and any Genzyme Trademarks (which shall be exclusively owned by Genzyme), and Genzyme shall have a royalty-free right and license under such Intellectual Property Rights during the Term.

 

3.6.2                     Observers.  Each party shall have the right to have an employee participate as an observer in the other party’s promotional review committee or board meetings related to the Ad/Prom Materials for the Test; provided, however, that each party shall retain sole discretion regarding the management and scheduling of its promotional review committees or boards and the availability of the observer shall not influence the scheduling and timing of such meetings.

 

3.6.3                     Talks and Grants.  In its sole discretion, Genzyme will (i) participate in speaker training events (at its sole cost and expense), (ii) participate in, and promote the Test at, key symposia and industry events as described in the Annual Commercial Plan (at its sole cost and expense) and (iii) provide grants to patient organizations, continuing medical education providers, and other appropriate recipients (at its sole cost and expense).  In addition, Genzyme will participate in at least a total of two (2) medical content education talks (which participation will focus solely on the Test) for each Territory Sales Force FTE per year (the “Minimum Talks Requirement”), which as of the Amendment Effective Date will total approximately fifty (50) per year. If Genzyme fails to satisfy the Minimum Talks Requirement for a calendar quarter to a substantial degree, defined as a 20% or greater shortfall from the Minimum Talks Requirement for that calendar quarter, and fails to cure such failure (cure meaning to conduct the number of talks by which Genzyme fell more than 20% short of the Minimum Talks Requirement in such calendar quarter) in the next complete calendar quarter that commences not less than one (1) month following Genzyme’s receipt of written notice from

 

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Veracyte of such shortfall, then Veracyte may terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 11.2.2.  As between the parties hereto and except as expressly provided otherwise elsewhere in this Agreement, Veracyte shall develop all slide decks and promotional materials (including booth design for symposia and industry events) in the English language to be used by Genzyme for the above activities and shall exclusively own all right, title and interest in any such slide presentations except for any content specifically related to Thyrogen or other Genzyme products and any Genzyme Trademarks (which shall be exclusively owned by Genzyme).  Genzyme may modify such materials with prior written approval of the Steering Committee.

 

3.6.4                     Joint Brand Presence.  The parties shall, each at its own expense, jointly maintain a brand presence of Afirma and Thyrogen at up to four (4) key symposia and industry events per year in accordance with the Annual Commercial Plan.  For the avoidance of doubt, Veracyte will be responsible for all costs associated with the Afirma brand presence at such key symposia and industry events and Genzyme will be responsible for all costs associated with the Thyrogen brand at such key symposia and industry events.  Each party shall be free to choose which events it supports under this paragraph and extent to its presence at such events.

 

3.7                               Customer Support, Complaints and Inquiries.

 

3.7.1                     Customer Support.  In the Territory, Veracyte shall have sole responsibility for direct, front-line customer support including, without limitation, medical information support.  Veracyte shall perform these activities in a manner consistent with the responsibilities outlined in Exhibit C hereto.  Such activities shall be at Veracyte’s cost and expense.  Veracyte shall reasonably consider any input provided by Genzyme regarding such customer support.  Genzyme shall provide reasonable support and assistance to Veracyte as reasonably requested at Veracyte’s cost and expense, subject to the availability of such resources.  In the Territory, Genzyme shall refer any requests or inquiries directly to Veracyte.

 

3.7.2                     Complaints.

 

(a)                                 If Genzyme or any of its Affiliates becomes aware of any Complaint or concern regarding the Test (including, without limitation, accuracy, quality or performance of the Test or any complaints or concerns regarding the sales, promotion, or marketing of the Test), Genzyme shall submit a written report of such Complaint or concern, along with any documentation involved with the Complaint, if available, to Veracyte within two (2) business days after receipt of such notice by Genzyme.  As between the parties, Veracyte shall have the sole authority and responsibility to respond to any governmental agency or Regulatory Authority including, without limitation, the FDA, to respond to Complaints, and to handle all returns field alerts, recalls or market withdrawals of the Test in accordance with applicable law; provided,

 

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however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to prevent Genzyme or its Affiliates in any way from complying with any governmental agency or Regulatory Authority or applicable laws, rules or regulations or from responding to governmental agencies or Regulatory Authorities, including without limitation the FDA, with respect to Complaints regarding the conduct of Genzyme’s or its Affiliates’ sales force or the portion of any content of Ad/Prom Materials related to Genzyme’s or its Affiliates’ products.

 

(b)                                 Genzyme or its Affiliates shall forward all Complaints and inquiries to Veracyte in a timely manner as set forth in Section 3.7.2(a) hereof and shall follow any reasonable and timely directions Veracyte may provide in that respect including, without limitation, to allow Veracyte to comply with applicable local laws and regulations in the Territory.  If an investigation by Veracyte is needed in response to a Complaint or inquiry, Genzyme and its Affiliates shall assist Veracyte as reasonably requested by Veracyte and Veracyte shall forward the results of the investigation to Genzyme within a reasonable timeframe to allow Genzyme to comply with applicable local laws and regulations in the Territory.  Genzyme and its Affiliates shall retain records of all Complaints and inquiries for a period of not less than three (3) years beyond the expiration or termination date of this Agreement or for such longer period as may be required by applicable law.

 

3.8                               Audit.  Upon reasonable prior written notification, either party shall, during regular business hours, provide authorized representatives of the other party with access to its facilities (including those owned or operated by a third party), systems, personnel, books and records (including books and records regarding Net Revenues) as reasonably necessary to enable the representatives to audit such party’s compliance with its duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.  Each party shall be limited to one (1) audit per calendar year during the Term and once during the three (3) year period following the expiration or termination of this Agreement.  The records and Net Revenue reports for any particular calendar quarter may not be examined under this Section 3.8 more than once.

 

3.9                               Non-solicitation.  Neither party shall, directly or indirectly, take any action to cause the other party to lose any of its employees, agents, customer contacts or other elements of its goodwill, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply with respect to (i) any person as to whom conversations were initiated by such party after such person terminated his or her employment with the other party, (ii) any public advertisement in any general or industry publication, or (iii) any solicitation made through a recruiting or search firm retained by such party using a database of candidates without targeting the other party or specific individuals.

 

3.10                        Performance by Genzyme Affiliates.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Genzyme obligation hereunder may be assumed and

 

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performed by one or more of its Affiliates, and Genzyme may, at its election, delegate to any one or more of its Affiliates any duty or responsibility set forth in this Agreement; provided that Genzyme shall remain responsible for any and all acts and omissions by such Affiliate(s) to the same extent as if such were performed, taken or made by Genzyme.

 

SECTION 4 — VERACYTE’S UNDERTAKINGS

 

4.1                               Veracyte’s Roles and Responsibilities.

 

4.1.1                     Veracyte Sales Efforts.  Subject to the provisions of, and during the Term of, this Agreement, Veracyte and its Affiliates shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to offer and provide the Test in the Territory and shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to market, promote and detail the Test to Healthcare Professionals for the Labeled Uses (if and as applicable) in the Territory.  Without limitation, Veracyte will have sole responsibility to conduct (i) Healthcare Professional account conversion and set-up, and (ii) all sales activities related to the Test other than Genzyme Activities.  This means, among other things, that Veracyte and its Affiliates shall use their respective Commercially Reasonable Efforts:

 

(a)                                 to conduct and process the Test in accordance with the Test specifications, including without limitation as contained in the applicable Marketing Authorization;

 

(b)                                 to handle and process all aspects of the Tests including receipt of Collection Kits, processing samples, and issuing patient reports;

 

(c)                                  to provide all central lab testing and processing required for provision of the Test and communicating Test results;

 

(d)                                 to seek to obtain and maintain reimbursement and Marketing Authorization for the Test in the Territory in accordance with the then-current Annual Commercial Plan;

 

(e)                                  to obtain and maintain all licenses, permits and certifications required to perform the foregoing responsibilities, including without limitation Clinical Laboratories Improvements Amendments (“CLIA”) certification, and ensure that any third party laboratories used by Veracyte to perform such responsibilities also have the requisite licenses, permits and certifications at all times while performing services on behalf of Veracyte; and

 

(f)                                   to conduct Healthcare Professional account conversion and set-up.

 

4.1.2                     Terms of Sale.  Veracyte shall have the right to establish and modify (in its sole right and responsibility) terms and conditions regarding the sale and provision of

 

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the Test in the Territory, including the price of the Test will be sold, any discounts offered or applied, the availability of the Test, and contracting; provided, however, that all matters relating to pricing of the Test will be discussed by the Steering Committee and Genzyme’s input will be reasonably considered by Veracyte.

 

4.2                               Advertising and Promotional Materials; Medical Affairs.

 

4.2.1                     Neither Veracyte nor its Affiliates, nor any of their respective employees or agents, shall make any representation, statement, warranty or guaranty with respect to the Test that is inconsistent with the then current Labeled Uses of the Test, this Agreement or the Ad/Prom Materials approved by the Steering Committee, that is deceptive or misleading or that disparages the Test or the good name, goodwill and reputation of Genzyme.  Each of Veracyte and its Affiliates shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to ensure that its services hereunder will be provided in a professional, ethical and competent manner.

 

4.2.2                     Veracyte shall provide marketing and brand strategy for the Test in accordance with the Annual Commercial Plan and any directions or instructions provided from time to time by the Steering Committee, and shall reasonably consider any input provided by Genzyme.  In the Territory in accordance with the Annual Commercial Plan, Veracyte will create and develop in English language (i) all slide decks and other materials for utilization by Genzyme and its Affiliates as set forth in Section 3.6.3 hereof, and (ii) all content for Ad/Prom Materials for use in the Territory in accordance with the Annual Commercial Plan and Section 3.6.1 hereof, at Veracyte’s sole cost and expense, provided, however, that any such materials shall be approved by the Steering Committee or by the marketing review committees of both parties acting separately if the Steering Committee has delegated such activities to such marketing review committees in accordance with Section 3.6.1 hereof.

 

4.3                               Education and Training.  Unless otherwise agreed upon by the Steering Committee, Veracyte shall educate and train Genzyme’s and, to the extent its Affiliates employ sales and marketing personnel used to promote, market and detail the Test, such Affiliates’ sales and marketing representatives regarding the Test, it being understood that (i) Veracyte will provide Genzyme, free of charge, with reasonable quantities of training materials which have been created and developed by Veracyte relating to the Test, and (ii) Genzyme and its Affiliates shall not permit any of their respective sales personnel to promote, market and detail the Test unless such sales personnel have been trained by Veracyte (or Genzyme as provided below in this Section 4.3) and qualified under criteria and/or standards supplied by Veracyte.  Genzyme and its Affiliates referenced above shall make their respective sales representatives available for such training and participate in conducting such training.  As between the parties hereto and except as expressly provided otherwise elsewhere in this Agreement, Veracyte shall exclusively own all right, title and interest in training materials developed under this Agreement except for any content specifically related to Thyrogen or other Genzyme products and any Genzyme Trademarks (which shall be exclusively owned by

 

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Genzyme).  Training shall be carried out at times and locations that are mutually acceptable to the parties.  As additional members are added to Genzyme’s or its Affiliates’ sales forces responsible for marketing and promoting the Test, training will be provided to such newly added members by either Veracyte or Genzyme using the training materials initially developed by Veracyte, as mutually agreed upon by the parties.  For the avoidance of doubt, any trainings subsequent to the initial training and associated new training materials related to the Tests or Improvements shall be provided by Veracyte in accordance with the terms set forth above in this Section 4.3. The parties shall mutually decide where the training of such sales representatives will occur and, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing, Genzyme and Veracyte will be responsible for the costs of transporting, housing and maintaining their respective personnel conducting or receiving such training.

 

4.4                               Recalls.

 

4.4.1                     Each party shall promptly (but in any case, not later than forty-eight (48) hours) notify the other party in writing of any order, request or directive of a court or other governmental agency or Regulatory Authority to recall or withdraw the Test.  Veracyte shall be responsible and have sole authority for handling all inquiries, Complaints, or recalls of the Test at its sole cost and expense, keeping Genzyme fully informed as to its plans and actions related to any such recall.  If requested by Veracyte, Genzyme shall fully cooperate with a Test recall in the Territory and follow all instructions given by Veracyte in that regard.

 

If a party (a) is contacted by any other Regulatory Authority or governmental agency for any purpose pertaining specifically to this Agreement or to the Test or (b) becomes aware of an impending inspection or audit of the facilities or operations involved with the Test, such party shall immediately notify the other party in writing.  Genzyme agrees that it shall not respond to any such agency making an inquiry of it until and only as directed by Veracyte; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to prevent Genzyme in any way from complying with any governmental agency or Regulatory Authority or applicable laws, rules or regulations.

 

4.4.2                     In the event that Veracyte considers initiating a voluntarily recall of the Test in the Territory, Veracyte shall promptly inform Genzyme of such deliberations (including the contributing facts and circumstances leading up to such deliberations) and of its final determination, and keep Genzyme fully informed as to its plans and actions related to any such voluntary recall.

 

4.5                               Test Shortage and/or Supply Interruption.

 

4.5.1                     If Veracyte is unable to meet the volume of requisitions for the Test in the Territory, Veracyte shall allocate supply of the Test among all countries where the Test is sold in a fair and equitable manner as reasonably determined by Veracyte.  If any such allocation would lead to a material shortage of the Test in the

 

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Territory, the implications thereof in terms of the promotional, marketing and detailing efforts of each party under this Agreement shall be discussed and decided by the Steering Committee as soon as practicable.

 

4.5.2                     In case of a long term inability of Veracyte to provide the Test in the Territory, each party is entitled, pending a decision by the Steering Committee in accordance with Section 4.5.1 above, to unilaterally decrease its promotional, marketing and detailing efforts under this Agreement in the Territory in a way that is fair and proportionate to the shortage or interruption, given the nature and the anticipated duration of the shortage or interruption.

 

4.6                               Communications.  Genzyme may from time to time develop and issue press releases pertaining to this Agreement and/or the Test.  Such press releases shall contain both parties’ names and logos and shall not be published in any manner or form without prior written approval by Veracyte, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and in accordance with Section 12.7 hereof.  Veracyte may from time to time develop and issue press releases pertaining to this Agreement.  Such press releases shall contain both parties’ names and logos and shall not be published in any manner or form without prior written approval by Genzyme, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and in accordance with Section 12.7 hereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Veracyte may from time to time issue press releases pertaining to the Test or any Improvements, including research studies, publications, announcements or other materials.  Such Test related press releases may be done only with Veracyte’s name and logo and will not require the prior written approval by Genzyme. Veracyte will, however, provide Genzyme with a copy of such press release prior to its issuance and will consider any comments provided in a timely fashion by Genzyme.

 

4.7                               Periodic Reporting.  Veracyte shall provide Genzyme with aggregate data regarding (without limitation) Test orders, Test status, Test volume and any other information reasonably requested by Genzyme on a periodic schedule (which may vary by type of information required), to be set forth in the Annual Commercial Plan.  In addition, Veracyte shall also provide Genzyme with data in accordance with Section 3.5.  Any such data shall be treated as Confidential Information of Veracyte and shall be maintained by Genzyme in accordance with Section 7 hereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement, in no case shall Veracyte be required to provide or disclose to Genzyme any information that would violate any applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”).

 

4.8                               Complaint Reporting; Result Errors and CAPAs; Pharmacovigilance.

 

4.8.1                     Veracyte shall be responsible for evaluating and reporting any Complaints to Regulatory Authorities or other entities in the Territory as required by applicable laws and regulations.  In addition, Veracyte shall provide Genzyme with any and all Complaints and other related information obtained by Veracyte regarding the

 

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Test as well as all correspondence to and from Regulatory Authorities or other entities related thereto.

 

4.8.2                     Veracyte shall provide Genzyme with (i) reports regarding all patient result errors, (ii) all Corrective Actions/Preventative Actions (“CAPAs”) that relate to matters that would reasonably be deemed material to the normal commercialization of the Test and (iii) copies of all similar reports submitted to Regulatory Authorities or other entities as well as all correspondence to and from Regulatory Authorities or other entities related thereto.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary, Veracyte will not be required to provide Genzyme with any information or data that would violate any applicable rule or regulation including HIPAA or any other rule regarding the confidentiality or non-disclosure of patient information or data.

 

4.8.3                     Veracyte shall report safety information pertaining to the Subject Products in accordance with the procedures described in Exhibit E.  The procedures described in Exhibit E do not restrict Genzyme’s ability to take such action as it deems appropriate or required under applicable law or regulations.

 

4.9                               Regulatory Matters.

 

4.9.1                     Veracyte shall be responsible and have sole authority for seeking, obtaining and maintaining Marketing Authorization for the Test in the Territory in accordance with the then current Annual Commercial Plan.  Such activities shall be at Veracyte’s sole cost and expense.

 

4.9.2                     Veracyte shall be responsible and have sole authority for seeking, obtaining and maintaining pricing approval and reimbursement for the Test in the Territory in accordance with the then current Annual Commercial Plan.  Such activities shall be at Veracyte’s sole cost and expense.  Genzyme shall provide such assistance as may be reasonably required for the purpose of seeking, obtaining and maintaining pricing approval and reimbursement in the Territory, subject to the availability of such resources and at Veracyte’s expense.

 

4.10                        Performance by Veracyte Affiliates and Subcontractors.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Veracyte obligation hereunder may be assumed and performed by one or more of its Affiliates, and Veracyte may, at its election, delegate to any one or more of its Affiliates any duty or responsibility set forth in this Agreement; provided, however, that Veracyte shall remain responsible for any and all acts and omissions by such Affiliate(s) to the same extent as if such were performed, taken or made by Veracyte.  Furthermore, it is anticipated that Veracyte may perform certain of its obligations hereunder through third party laboratories and other subcontractors.  In such event, as between the parties, Veracyte shall remain responsible for any and all acts and omissions by such third parties to the same extent as if such were performed, taken or made by Veracyte.

 

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4.11                        Billing and Collections.  Unless otherwise required by applicable laws and regulations, Veracyte and its Affiliates shall be responsible for the billing, invoicing, claims submissions, and collection of receivables and amounts due resulting from the sales of the Test in the Territory (collectively, “Collection Activities”), and such activities shall be at Veracyte’s cost and expense.  Veracyte and its Affiliates shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts in performing the Collection Activities.  Genzyme shall provide reasonable support and assistance to Veracyte as requested by Veracyte (including if Veracyte and its Affiliates are prohibited from performing Collection Activities in the Territory under applicable laws and regulations) at Veracyte’s cost and expense, subject to the availability of such resources.

 

4.12                        Test Collection Kits.  Veracyte shall be responsible for managing Collection Kit supply, inventory, tracking, and distribution in the Territory, shall be responsible for the costs associated with the supply and distribution of Collection Kits, and shall use its Commercially Reasonable Efforts in such activities.  The Steering Committee shall determine the number of Collection Kits that will be provided to each sales representative in the Territory (at Veracyte’s cost) as demonstration samples.

 

SECTION 5 — MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

 

5.1                               Steering Committee.  The sales and marketing program for the Test will be managed by a steering committee having equal representation of the parties (the “Steering Committee”). The Steering Committee will include three (3) members from each party and will meet at least quarterly with at least one meeting per year being conducted in-person while more frequent meetings or teleconferences will be held anytime they are needed and requested by the Steering Committee’s members of either party.  If an in-person meeting is impracticable, meetings may be held by videoconference or teleconference.  When meetings are held in person, individual members of the Steering Committee may nonetheless participate by videoconference or teleconference.  If unable to attend in person or by videoconference or teleconference, an individual member of the Steering Committee may grant a proxy to another individual member of the Steering Committee in order to act on his or her behalf on any matter to be acted upon at any meeting of the Steering Committee.  Other representatives of the parties may attend Steering Committee meetings as non-voting participants.  At least one week prior to any meeting of the Steering Committee, the parties shall agree upon a proposed agenda of the matters to be discussed at such meeting.  The parties shall agree, at the first meeting of the Steering Committee, upon procedures for maintaining meeting minutes.  The Steering Committee may take action on a matter at a meeting only if a quorum exists with respect to that matter.  The attendance of at least two (2) members of the Steering Committee of each party at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  Each member of the Steering Committee shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote, either in person or by proxy, on any matter to be acted upon at any meeting of the Steering Committee.  All decisions made by the Steering Committee shall require a majority vote by the members of the Steering Committee, either in person or by proxy.  Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Steering Committee may be taken without a meeting if the action is

 

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*** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.

 

taken by all members of the Steering Committee.  Such action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken and signed by each member of the Steering Committee.  In the event the Steering Committee is unable to achieve a majority vote on any issue, then the dispute resolution process set forth in Section 1.1 hereof will be followed with respect to such issue.

 

5.2                               Responsibilities.  The responsibilities of the Steering Committee (which may be delegated to sub-groups by approval of the Steering Committee) will include, without limitation:

 

5.2.1                     approving the Annual Commercial Plan (including the budget therein); provided, however, the Annual Commercial Plan approved by the Steering Committee must conform with the requirements of Section 3.2;

 

5.2.2                     determining the types and forms of Ad/Prom Materials to be created (e.g., printed materials, television media, digital media such as website content or e-marketing) and reviewing and approving all Ad/Prom Materials for the Test and sales force training materials before first use in the Territory; provided, however, that the Steering Committee may delegate review and approval of the Ad/Prom Materials to Genzyme’s and Veracyte’s respective marketing review committees, and if the marketing review committees of both parties separately approve the Ad/Prom Materials, the Steering Committee shall be deemed to have approved such Ad/Prom Materials;

 

5.2.3                     planning, monitoring and evaluating the overall sales and marketing program for the Test in the Territory and ensuring the program is compliant with best practices in the Territory and all applicable laws and regulations;

 

5.2.4                     implementing the marketing and promotion strategy for the Test in the Territory, including the planned number of Calls for each calendar year, provided that the average minimum number of calls per quarter per FTE shall be *** and the targets for such Calls, in order to market, promote and detail the Test in the most effective and efficient fashion; provided, however, the Steering Committee may not require Genzyme to make more or fewer than an average of *** (***) Calls per Territory Sales Force FTE during each calendar quarter; and

 

5.2.5                     any other activities specifically provided for in this Agreement.

 

The members of the Steering Committee from each party shall have the right to comment upon and make recommendations to the members of the other party regarding the other party’s activities under this Agreement, which recommendations the other party shall be reasonably considered.

 

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5.3                               Steering Committee Dispute Resolution.

 

5.3.1                     Should the Steering Committee be unable to reach a unanimous decision on any matter after ten (10) business days following the date on which the relevant meeting or teleconference has been held, the decision will be escalated to senior management representatives of the parties, who will have an additional ten (10) business days to reach a mutually agreeable decision.  If the senior management representatives are unable to resolve such a dispute or issue within such ten (10) day period after being requested to resolve such dispute or issue, the dispute or issue shall be referred to the Chief Executive Officers of Veracyte and Genzyme, or their designees, for attempted good faith resolution by negotiation within thirty (30) calendar days after such referral.  If the Chief Executive Officers of the parties, or their designees, are unable to resolve such dispute or issue, then the matter may be referred to mediation as set forth in Section 5.3.2 hereof.

 

5.3.2                     If a dispute cannot be resolved pursuant to Section 5.3.1 hereof, the parties shall in good faith attempt to resolve such dispute by non-binding mediation administered by JAMS End Dispute in accordance with its commercial mediation rules.  The mediation will be conducted by a single mediator appointed by agreement of the parties or, failing such agreement, by JAMS End Dispute in accordance with its commercial mediation rules.  Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties, the mediation proceedings will be conducted in Chicago, Illinois.  The parties shall share equally the cost of the mediation including, without limitation, filing fees, hearing fees and the cost of the mediator(s).  Each party will bear its own attorneys’ fees and associated costs and expenses.  If the dispute has not been resolved by the means provided herein within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the initiation of such procedure, either party shall have the right to file a lawsuit to resolve the dispute; provided, however, if Veracyte files such lawsuit, it must be filed in the courts of Boston, Massachusetts and if Genzyme files such lawsuit, it must be filed in the courts in San Francisco, California.

 

5.4                               Coordination of Calls.  Efforts will be made by the Steering Committee to coordinate the Calls by the Veracyte sales forces, if any and as applicable, with the Calls by the Genzyme sales forces to ensure the most effective coverage of the target audiences and to minimize duplication of efforts to the extent practicable.

 

5.5                               Participation Cost.  Each party shall bear its own costs associated with its participation in the Steering Committee and its activities performed under this Agreement, except as otherwise set forth herein.

 

SECTION 6 - FINANCIAL TERMS

 

6.1                               Compensation to Genzyme.  Subject to the provisions of and during the Term of this Agreement, as compensation for its marketing, promotion, and other activities and obligations under this Agreement following the Amendment Effective Date, Genzyme

 

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shall receive a fee (the “Promotion Fees”) equal to fifteen percent (15%) of Net Revenues received by Veracyte on the Test in the Territory after the Amendment Effective Date through the effective date of the expiration or termination of this Agreement (inclusive).  Such Promotion Fees shall be due on a quarterly basis as set forth in Section 6.3 below.  For clarity, any unpaid amount owed by Veracyte to Genzyme pursuant to the Prior Agreement as compensation for marketing, promotion and other activities conducted prior to the Amendment Effective Date shall continue to be payable, and Veracyte shall pay Genzyme such amounts when due.

 

6.2                               Quarterly Net Revenue Report.  Within thirty (30) calendar days after the close of each calendar quarter that occurs during the Term of this Agreement and within thirty (30) calendar days after the end of the Term, Veracyte shall submit to Genzyme a statement (the “Quarterly Net Revenue Report”) showing, with respect to the Territory:

 

6.2.1                     Net Revenues, with breakouts of revenues attributable to cytopathology versus molecular testing services and regional breakouts;

 

6.2.2                     the amount billed and the amount reimbursed for each claim, and the payor associated with each such claim; and

 

6.2.3                     the calculation of the Promotion Fees due to Genzyme pursuant to Section 6.1.

 

Any such Quarterly Net Revenue Report shall be treated as Confidential Information of Veracyte in accordance with Section 7 hereof.

 

6.3                               Invoicing and Payment.  Invoicing shall take place on a quarterly basis.  Each invoice shall be based on the data contained in the Quarterly Net Revenue Reports received by Genzyme in accordance with Section 6.2 above and payment shall be due not more than thirty (30) calendar days from the date of invoice and may be made in the form of a wire transfer.  With respect to invoices for assistance and support provided by one party to the other party at such other party’s expense pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, payment shall be due within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of a reasonably detailed invoice for such assistance and support.

 

6.4                               Annual Reconciliation.  The Quarterly Net Revenue Report for the fourth quarter of each calendar year shall contain an annual reconciliation indicating the difference, if any, between the annual Promotion Fees (calculated on the basis of the Net Revenue reported for the entire calendar year) and the sum of all quarterly Promotion Fees (calculated on the basis of the Net Revenue reported per calendar quarter).  In case of a difference, the relevant amount shall be settled in Genzyme’s invoice for the fourth quarter of the relevant calendar year.

 

SECTION 7 - CONFIDENTIALITY

 

7.1                               Non-Disclosure and Non-Use of Confidential Information.  All Confidential Information shall remain the exclusive property of the Disclosing Party during the

 

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Term of this Agreement and thereafter.  The Receiving Party shall disclose such Confidential Information only to those of its (and its Affiliates’) agents, advisors, consultants and employees to whom it is necessary in order to carry out their duties hereunder as limited by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  During the Term of this Agreement and thereafter, all of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information shall be maintained in strict confidence by the Receiving Party’s agents and employees, and shall not be used by the Receiving Party for any purpose other than in connection with the Receiving Party’s performance of its duties under this Agreement.  The Receiving Party shall, at its expense and at the Receiving Party’s option, either return or destroy (and certify such destruction to the Disclosing Party in a written instrument signed by an officer of the Receiving Party) all Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party within sixty (60) days after the expiration or termination of this Agreement, provided, however, that the Receiving Party may retain one (1) copy of the Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party for archival purposes.

 

7.2                               Exceptions to Confidentiality Obligations.  The limitations on use and disclosure set forth in Section 7.1 hereof shall not apply to information which the Receiving Party can demonstrate:

 

7.2.1                     was in the public domain at the time of disclosure without breach of this Agreement by the Receiving Party;

 

7.2.2                     was known to or contained in the records of the Receiving Party from a source other than the Disclosing Party at the time of disclosure and can be so demonstrated by written records of the Receiving Party;

 

7.2.3                     was independently developed by the Receiving Party without use of, reference to or reliance upon the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information and can be so demonstrated by written records of the Receiving Party; or

 

7.2.4                     became known or was disclosed to the Receiving Party without restriction on further disclosure from a third party source having the right to make such disclosure.

 

7.3                               Disclosure Pursuant to Legal Obligation.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, disclosure of any portion of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information shall not be prohibited to the extent that it is required to (i) comply with applicable law, order or regulation of a governmental agency or a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) to comply with any governmental agency for purposes of obtaining Marketing Authorization for the Test, or (iii) as necessary to establish the rights of either party under this Agreement, provided in either case that the Receiving Party shall (A) provide to the Disclosing Party prompt written notice of the existence, terms and circumstances of such required disclosure with at least sufficient detail to enable such Disclosing Party to seek a protective order or otherwise prevent or limit the extent of such disclosure, (B) consult with the Disclosing Party on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such disclosure, (C) take all reasonable and

 

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lawful actions to obtain confidential treatment for such disclosure and (D) thereafter disclose only such Confidential Information as is reasonably necessary under the circumstances.  Each of the parties agrees that the foregoing exceptions are to be narrowly construed and that its obligations (and those of its representatives) under this Section 7 are released solely with respect to those specific portions of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information that fall within the foregoing exceptions and not with respect to related portions.

 

7.4                               Disclosure to Prospective Investors.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Veracyte may disclose Confidential Information, including the terms of this Agreement, to current and prospective investors in Veracyte, provided any such recipients are bound by confidentiality and non-use provisions no less restrictive than those contained in this Section 7.

 

SECTION 8 - INFRINGEMENT AND LITIGATION

 

8.1                               Infringement.  If either party reasonably believes or learns that a third party is infringing or misappropriating Veracyte Intellectual Property in the Territory, that party shall give the other party prompt written notice of its belief and documentation supporting its belief.  The parties shall use good faith efforts to coordinate and cooperate in any action, negotiation, or settlement of the alleged infringement.

 

8.2                               Litigation.  If Genzyme reasonably believes that there is infringement of any Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property by a third party and Genzyme submits documentary support of such activity to Veracyte, then Veracyte, acting at its own expense and for its own account, shall have the right, but not the obligation, to enforce the Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property against such infringers, including bringing any legal action for infringement and defending against any counter claims in such action.  Genzyme shall provide to Veracyte, at Veracyte’s expense, such assistance and cooperation as may reasonably be requested by Veracyte or required in Veracyte’s action against such third party.  If Veracyte does not initiate action to terminate any infringement of the Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property within six (6) months after receiving such documentary support, or earlier notifies Genzyme in writing that it does not intend to bring such action, then Genzyme, upon receipt of consent from Veracyte, which consent shall not unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, may bring such suit regarding infringement or misappropriation of such Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property in the Territory, acting in its own name or in the name of Veracyte, but for Genzyme’s own account and at Genzyme’s own expense, any recovery to be for its own account.  Veracyte hereby agrees to cooperate and be joined as a nominal party plaintiff to such suit and shall render, at Genzyme’s expense, all reasonable assistance and cooperation as may be reasonably necessary in such a suit.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Genzyme may not enter into any settlement, consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition of such action which adversely affects any Veracyte Intellectual Property without the prior written consent of Veracyte, which will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Each party instituting any such infringement actions shall, subject the foregoing, have the right to make all

 

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decisions regarding the prosecution of any such action and shall keep the other party reasonably informed as to the status of such action.  It is understood and agreed that the provisions of this Section 8.2 shall only apply to Veracyte Intellectual Property that Veracyte or its Affiliates have the right to enforce (by virtue of ownership, license terms, or otherwise).

 

8.3                               Licenses.  If a third party license is required in order that the activities required pursuant to this Agreement do not infringe a third party’s Intellectual Property Rights, then Veracyte, at Veracyte’s expense and acting in its own name, shall negotiate with such third party and use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to obtain such a license.  Genzyme shall give to Veracyte, at Veracyte’s sole expense, such assistance as may reasonably be requested by Veracyte in connection with Veracyte’s negotiation with such third party, subject to the availability of such resources.

 

8.4                               Notification.  In the event that either party receives notification of any alleged or actual infringement from a third party, that party shall provide the other party with a copy of such notification within five (5) business days after its receipt of the notification.

 

SECTION 9 - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

9.1                               Veracyte represents and warrants to Genzyme that as of the Amendment Effective Date:

 

9.1.1                     Veracyte and its Affiliates exclusively owns or controls the Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property  and has the right to license or sublicense to Genzyme and its Affiliates all Veracyte Intellectual Property licensed hereunder, that such rights to such Veracyte Intellectual Property have been validly granted to Genzyme and its Affiliates, and that the granting of such rights to Genzyme and its Affiliates does not require the consent of a third party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

9.1.2                     (a) there are no claims, judgments or settlements against or owed by Veracyte or its Affiliates, or to the best of its knowledge, any pending or threatened claims or litigation relating to the Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property, the Test or the Ad/Prom Material used by Veracyte prior to the Amendment Effective Date; (b) to the best of its knowledge, there are no claims, judgments or settlements against or owed by Veracyte or its Affiliates relating to any other Veracyte Intellectual Property and (c) to the best of its knowledge, there are no pending or threatened claims or litigation relating to other Veracyte Intellectual Property that to the knowledge of Veracyte would have a material adverse effect on the Test, Veracyte, or the ability of the parties to perform under of this Agreement;

 

9.1.3                     to the best of Veracyte’s knowledge, there are no third party patent, patent application or other third party Intellectual Property Rights that would be infringed by making, using, or selling the Test;

 

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9.1.4                     to the best of Veracyte’s knowledge, (a) there is no infringement or misappropriation by a third party of the Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property and/or the Test and (b) there is no misappropriation by a third party of other Veracyte Intellectual Property that to the knowledge of Veracyte would have a material adverse effect on the Test, Veracyte, or the ability of the parties to perform under of this Agreement;

 

9.1.5                     Veracyte has the full right, power and authority and legal capacity to enter into this Agreement and to grant the rights and licenses granted under Section 2 hereof and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Veracyte does not conflict with, or constitute a breach of or under, any order, judgment, agreement or instrument to which Veracyte is a party;

 

9.1.6                     Veracyte is a duly organized and validly existing corporation under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation;

 

9.1.7                     Veracyte (and any third party laboratories and other subcontractors used by Veracyte) has all necessary licenses, permits and certifications under all applicable laws, regulations, codes, and standards determined by any governmental authority or Regulatory Authority (including without limitation CLIA and similar state laws, as well as all generally applicable industry standards whether the same are regional, national or international), to use, make and commercialize Afirma in the Territory;

 

9.1.8                     neither Veracyte nor any of its Affiliates has granted any right or license to any third party relating to the Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property and/or the Test that would conflict with the rights granted to Genzyme and its Affiliates under this Agreement; and

 

9.1.9                     Exhibit A hereto includes all patents or patent applications of Veracyte that are included in the Veracyte Owned Intellectual Property that are in existence or filed as of the Amendment Effective Date (other than foreign counterparts).

 

9.2                               No Conflicting Obligations.  Each party represents and warrants that the execution of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder will not conflict with, result in the breach of, or constitute a default under, any agreement to which it, its officers, directors, agents or employees are parties, or by which it, its officers, directors, agents or employees are or may be bound.

 

9.3                               Compliance with Applicable Laws.  Each party represents and warrants that in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement it shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, codes, and standards determined by any governmental authority or Regulatory Authority, as well as all generally applicable industry standards whether the same are regional, national or international.

 

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9.4                               Ad/Prom Materials and Training Materials.  Veracyte hereby represents and warrants to Genzyme that all Ad/Prom Materials and training materials used by Veracyte as of the Amendment Effective Date in connection with the Test comply, and all Ad/Prom Materials and training materials to be created and developed by Veracyte pursuant to Section 3.6 hereof will comply, with all applicable laws, regulations, codes and standards determined by any governmental authority or Regulatory Authority, as well as all generally applicable industry standards whether the same are regional, national or international.

 

9.5                               Performance Standards.  Each party represents and warrants that all activities and obligations performed under this Agreement will be performed by it and its Affiliates (i) in a professional and workmanlike manner, (ii) by appropriately qualified individuals who are licensed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in the country in which they are performed, (iii) at an appropriately qualified and licensed laboratory facility, and (iv) in accordance with the standard of care and best industry practices in the country in which they are performed.

 

9.5.1                     Veracyte represents and warrants that neither Veracyte nor its Affiliates (to the extent its Affiliates are performing services related to the Test), nor any of their respective employees or agents performing services related to Test in connection with this Agreement, has been: (i) convicted of an offense related to any federal or state health care program; (ii) debarred under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; or (iii) excluded or is otherwise ineligible for federal or state health care program participation.  No convicted, debarred, excluded or ineligible person will in the future be employed by Veracyte or its Affiliates, to their knowledge, in connection with any of its obligations under this Agreement.  If Veracyte becomes aware that Veracyte or its Affiliates performing services related to the Test or any person employed or contracted by Veracyte or its Affiliates in connection with this Agreement has become or is in the process of being convicted, debarred, excluded or otherwise rendered ineligible for federal or state health care program participation, Veracyte shall so notify Genzyme in writing.

 

9.5.2                     Genzyme represents and warrants that neither Genzyme nor its Affiliates (to the extent its Affiliates either employ sales and marketing personnel used to promote, market or detail any Thyrogen or the Test or otherwise perform services hereunder), nor any employee or agent of Genzyme or such Affiliates marketing, promoting, or detailing the Test in connection with this Agreement, has been: (i) convicted of an offense related to any federal or state health care program; (ii) debarred under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; or (iii) excluded or is otherwise ineligible for federal or state health care program participation.  No convicted, debarred, excluded or ineligible person will in the future be employed by Genzyme or its Affiliates, to their knowledge, in connection with any of its obligations under this Agreement.  If Genzyme becomes aware that Genzyme its Affiliates mentioned above or any person employed or contracted by Genzyme or such Affiliates in connection with this Agreement has become or is in the process of being convicted, debarred, excluded or otherwise rendered ineligible for federal

 

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or state health care program participation, Genzyme shall so notify Veracyte in writing.

 

9.6                               Genzyme represents and warrants to Veracyte that as of the Amendment Effective Date:

 

9.6.1                     Genzyme has the full right, power and authority and legal capacity to enter into this Agreement;

 

9.6.2                     the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Genzyme does not conflict with, or constitute a breach of or under, any order, judgment, agreement or instrument to which Genzyme is a party; and

 

9.6.3                     Genzyme or its Affiliates directly employs a direct sales force in the Territory and, with respect to Thyrogen such sales force operates with all necessary licenses, permits and certifications under all applicable laws, regulations, codes, and standards determined by any applicable governmental authority or Regulatory Authority as of the Amendment Effective Date.

 

9.7                               EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS SECTION 9, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING A WARRANTY AS TO THE QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE TEST, ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED.

 

SECTION 10 - INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

 

10.1                        Indemnification by Veracyte.

 

10.1.1              Veracyte shall defend, indemnify and hold Genzyme, its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors and employees harmless from and against any liabilities, charges, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and settlement payments (collectively, “Liabilities”) that arise from any claim, lawsuit or other action by a third party resulting from (i) the promotion, marketing or detailing of the Test by Veracyte or its Affiliates, (ii) the safety or effectiveness of the Test and/or the research, development, manufacture, commercialization, distribution, promotion, marketing, detailing or importation of the Test by Veracyte or its Affiliates, (iii) performance of the Test including, without limitation, the reporting of test results to physicians or patients, (iv) a breach by Veracyte of its covenants or the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any negligence or misconduct of Veracyte or its Affiliates or their respective employees, agents or subcontractors, (v) the infringement or other violation of any third party trademarks with respect to the use by Genzyme of the Veracyte Trademarks in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (vi) an inaccuracy of any of Veracyte’s representations and warranties under this Agreement or (vii) an actual or alleged infringement of a patent, trademark or

 

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other Intellectual Property Right of a third party.  The foregoing obligations shall not apply to the extent that such Liabilities result from any gross negligence or willful misconduct of Genzyme or its Affiliates.

 

10.1.2              Genzyme shall promptly notify Veracyte of any liability in respect of which Genzyme intends to claim such indemnification, and Veracyte shall assume and have exclusive control over the defense thereof with counsel selected by Veracyte provided, however, that Genzyme shall have the right to fully participate in any such action or proceeding and to retain its own counsel, at its own expense, if representation of Genzyme by the counsel retained by Veracyte would be inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct due to actual or potential differing interests between Genzyme and Veracyte or any other party represented by such counsel in such proceedings.  The failure to deliver notice to Veracyte within a reasonable time after the commencement of such action shall relieve Veracyte of its indemnification obligations hereunder only to the extent such failure is prejudicial to Veracyte’s ability to defend such action.

 

10.2                        Indemnification by Genzyme.

 

10.2.1              Genzyme shall defend, indemnify and hold Veracyte, its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors and employees harmless from and against any Liabilities that arise from any claim, lawsuit or other action by a third party resulting from (i) the promotion, marketing or detailing of the Test by Genzyme or its Affiliates, (ii) a breach by Genzyme of its covenants or the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any negligence or misconduct of Genzyme or its Affiliates or their respective employees, agents or subcontractors, (iii) an inaccuracy of any of Genzyme’s representations and warranties under this Agreement or (iv) the infringement or other violation of any third party trademarks with respect to the use by Veracyte of the Genzyme Trademarks in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  The foregoing obligations shall not apply to the extent that such Liabilities result from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of Veracyte or its Affiliates.  For the avoidance of doubt, Genzyme will not indemnify Veracyte and its Affiliates for any Liabilities resulting from an actual or alleged infringement of a patent, trademark or other Intellectual Property Right of a third party related to making, using or processing the Test.

 

10.2.2              Veracyte shall promptly notify Genzyme of any liability in respect of which  Veracyte intends to claim such indemnification, and Genzyme shall assume and have exclusive control over the defense thereof with counsel selected by Genzyme; provided, however, that Veracyte shall have the right to fully participate in any such action or proceeding and to retain its own counsel, at its own expense, if representation of Veracyte by the counsel retained by Genzyme would be inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct due to actual or potential differing interests between Veracyte and Genzyme or any other party represented by such counsel in such proceedings.  The failure to deliver

 

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notice to Genzyme within a reasonable time after the commencement of such action shall relieve Genzyme of its indemnification obligations hereunder only to the extent such failure is prejudicial to Genzyme’s ability to defend such action.

 

10.3                        Limitation of Liability.

 

10.3.1              Neither party shall be liable to the other party for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages including, but not limited to, loss of profit, loss of savings, loss of business, loss or contracts, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract or in any other way.

 

10.3.2              The limitations set forth in Section 10.3.1 shall not apply with respect to the liability of either party for death, material personal injury or property damage, which has been determined by a court of final adjudication to have been proximately caused by the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of such party or its Affiliates.

 

10.4                        Insurance.

 

10.4.1              Each party possesses and will maintain commercially reasonable amounts of insurance from a reputable insurance carrier (or by means of self-insurance) sufficient to cover its risks under this Agreement.

 

10.4.2              For the avoidance of doubt, Veracyte is required to maintain an active insurance policy covering general commercial liability, contractual liability, personal and advertising injury, errors and omissions, and product liability claims, with limits of not less than $10,000,000 (ten million dollars) per occurrence and $10,000,000 (ten million dollars) aggregate.  Veracyte shall name Genzyme as an “additional insured” and provide Genzyme with a certificate of insurance promptly upon Genzyme’s request.

 

10.4.3              For the avoidance of doubt, Genzyme is required to maintain an active insurance policy covering general commercial liability, contractual liability, personal and advertising injury, errors and omissions, and product liability claims, with limits of not less than $10,000,000 (ten million dollars) per occurrence and $10,000,000 (ten million dollars) aggregate.  Genzyme shall name Veracyte as an “additional insured” and provide Veracyte with a certificate of insurance promptly upon Veracyte’s request.

 

SECTION 11 - TERM AND TERMINATION

 

11.1                        Term.  This Agreement shall commence on the Original Effective Date and shall continue in force for a period of fifteen (15) years (the “Initial Term”).  Upon expiry of the Initial Term, this Agreement shall terminate without any notice of termination being required, unless the parties agree in writing to extend the Agreement for an additional period to be agreed upon in writing by the parties (the “Extended Term”).

 

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11.2                        Termination for Cause.

 

11.2.1              Without prejudice to the rights and remedies of Veracyte and Genzyme under this Agreement, either party may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice to the other party if the other party either commits a breach of this Agreement or otherwise defaults in the performance of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement and such breach is not caused by a force majeure (as described in Section 12.3) and (i) such breach or default is material and curing such breach or default is temporarily or permanently impossible, or (ii) in all other cases if the breach is not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of termination pursuant to this Section 11.2.1.

 

11.2.2              Veracyte may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice to Genzyme if (a) Genzyme fails to satisfy the Minimum Call Requirement for a calendar quarter to a substantial degree (as defined in Section 3.1.1)  and does not cure such failure (as defined in Section 3.1.1) within the cure period specified in Section 3.1.1,  or (b) Genzyme fails to cure a Sales Force Maintenance Default within the cure period specified in Section 3.3, or (c) Genzyme fails to satisfy the Minimum Talks Requirement for a calendar quarter to a substantial degree (as defined in Section 3.6.3)  and does not cure such failure (as defined in Section 3.6.3) within the cure period specified in Section 3.6.3.  Such termination will be Veracyte’s sole and exclusive remedy for any failure by Genzyme to satisfy the Minimum Call Requirement or Minimum Talks Requirement or for any Sales Force Maintenance Default.

 

11.3                        Termination for Insolvency.  Either party may terminate this Agreement effective immediately by written notice to the other party if the other party:

 

(a)                                 becomes insolvent, or has filed a request to be declared insolvent, or has been granted moratorium on payment;

 

(b)                                 makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors;

 

(c)                                  ceases to do business;

 

(d)                                 commences any dissolution, liquidation or winding up; or

 

(e)                                  has a receiver, trustee administrator or examiner or liquidator appointed over all or a substantial part of its assets.

 

11.4                        Termination Upon Change of Control.  Either party will have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement by written notice to the other party in the event of a Change of Control of the other party.  A party shall provide notice to the other party not less than sixty (60) days prior to its proposed Change of Control, provided, however, that if the party undergoing the Change of Control is advised by its legal counsel that it is precluded from providing the other party with this prior notice under applicable laws or regulations, then the party undergoing the Change of Control shall deliver such

 

37



 

notice immediately after consummation of the Change of Control.  The above notice shall contain the following information regarding the person or entity that will assume control:

 

(a)                                 the name and legal composition of the person or entity;

 

(b)                                 financial information regarding such person or entity; and

 

(c)                                  a general description of the transfer transaction.

 

In addition, the party that is subject to the Change of Control shall provide the other party with such other information as may be reasonably requested by that party after the receipt of such notice.

 

11.5                        Termination for Convenience.  Either party will have the right to terminate this Agreement without cause effective any time after June 30, 2016 by giving the other party six (6) months prior written notice.  For the purposes of clarity, it is the understanding of the parties that during the notice period described above, the rights and obligations of the parties shall continue in full force and effect until the applicable date of termination of the Agreement and that no termination fee shall be required to be paid under the termination described above.

 

11.6                        Termination by Genzyme for Regulatory Action.

 

11.6.1              Within sixty (60) days following the occurrence of a Regulatory Event, Genzyme may provide Veracyte with written notice of such Regulatory Event (a “RE Notice”).  Such RE Notice shall provide details regarding the event that constitutes a Regulatory Event, the date of such occurrence and the basis for why any Regulatory Event could constitute a Qualified Regulatory Event.  Upon the receipt of a RE Notice, Veracyte will have six (6) months to work in good faith to resolve, cure, or abate such Regulatory Event to the reasonable satisfaction of Genzyme.  If Veracyte is unable to resolve, cure or abate such Regulatory Event during such six (6) month period and such Regulatory Event constitutes a Qualified Regulatory Event, then Genzyme will have the right, no later than eight (8) months following the occurrence of such a Qualified Regulatory Event, to terminate any further rights and obligations under this Agreement, with thirty (30) days prior written notice to Veracyte (a “Regulatory Termination”).

 

11.6.2              For the purposes of clarity, it is the understanding of the parties that during any notice period described above prior to the effective date of a Regulatory Termination, the rights and obligations of the parties shall continue in full force and effect until the applicable date of termination.

 

11.6.3              If Genzyme elects to exercise such Regulatory Termination, no further Promotion Fees will be payable for Net Revenues achieved in the Territory after the effective date of the Regulatory Termination.

 

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11.6.4              For purposes of this Section 11.6:

 

(a)                                 “Regulatory Event” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: any Regulatory Authority in the Territory pursuing an enforcement action (i) against Veracyte or its Affiliates (to the extent that such Affiliates are offering the Test pursuant this Agreement in the Territory) that impacts the ability to commercialize the Test or (ii) directly related to the Test; or any Regulatory Authority in the Territory issuing a warning letter against (i) Veracyte or its Affiliates (to the extent that such Affiliates are providing services to Genzyme pursuant to this Agreement in the Territory) that impacts the ability to commercialize the Test or (ii) directly related to the Test; and

 

(b)                                 “Qualified Regulatory Event” shall mean a Regulatory Event that both (a) materially and adversely affects the ability of the parties to commercialize the Test in the Territory where the Regulatory Event occurs, and (b) leads to the actual average monthly volume of FNAs received by Veracyte for the Test in the Territory during the six (6) months following the date of the occurrence of the Regulatory Event being at least fifty percent (50%) less than the average monthly volume for the six (6) months prior to such date.

 

11.7                        Effects of Expiration or Termination.

 

11.7.1              Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this or any other agreement between the parties, all rights and obligations of the parties set forth herein that expressly or by their nature survive expiration or termination of this Agreement (including without limitation Sections 1, 3.5, 3.7.2(b) (last sentence), 3.8, 6.2, 6.3, 7, 9.7, 10, 11.7 and 12) shall continue in full force and effect subsequent to and notwithstanding the expiration or termination of this Agreement until they are satisfied or by their nature expired and shall bind the parties and their legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns.

 

11.7.2              Expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason shall be without prejudice to the rights and remedies of either party with respect to any antecedent breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

11.7.3              Upon termination of this Agreement, Genzyme shall cooperate in good faith with Veracyte or its designee in transitioning all customer support, promotional and other activities and responsibilities for the Test in the Territory, as set forth hereunder, to Veracyte or its designee as requested by Veracyte.  The parties agree to cause such transition to occur as quickly as practicable after the effective date of such termination.  After expiration or termination of this Agreement, Veracyte shall retain the right to use any training materials and Ad/Prom Materials related to the Test developed during the Term; provided, however, that Veracyte shall have no further right to use Genzyme’s name or Trademarks.

 

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11.8                        Dispute Resolution.  In the event of any dispute arising between the parties relating to, arising out of, or in any way connected with this Agreement or any term or condition hereof, or the performance by either party of its obligations hereunder, such dispute shall be referred to the Steering Committee and the parties shall follow the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section 1.1 hereof.

 

SECTION 12 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

12.1                        Independent Status of the Parties.  Veracyte and Genzyme are independent entities each acting in its own name of for its own account.  Without explicit prior written authorization, neither party shall have the authority to bind, commit or incur any liability on behalf of the other party or to otherwise act in any way as an agency, representative or partner of the other party.

 

12.2                        Assignment.  This Agreement shall not be assigned or otherwise transferred by either party without the prior written consent of the other party, provided, however, that either party may assign this Agreement to any of its Affiliates or to a successor to the portion of its business related to this Agreement (whether by merger, a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of its assets relating to this Agreement, a sale of its capital stock, or otherwise), including, in the case of Genzyme, the transfer to an Affiliate of the entire sales and marketing organization used to promote, market and detail Thyrogen.  Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

12.3                        Force Majeure.  The performance of either party under this Agreement may be suspended to the extent and for the period of time that such party is prevented or delayed from fulfilling its obligations due to causes beyond its reasonable control (including, without limitation, acts of God, acts of civil or military authority including governmental priorities, strikes or other labour disturbances, fires, floods, epidemics, wars, terrorism, or riots); provided, however, that the non-performing party uses Commercially Reasonable Efforts to avoid or remove such causes of non-performance and continues performance hereunder with reasonable dispatch as soon as such causes are removed.  After thirty (30) consecutive calendar days of suspension on the part of one party, the other party may, at its sole discretion, terminate this Agreement without further liability.

 

12.4                        Severability.  To the extent any clause, term or provision of this Agreement shall be judged to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the balance of such clause, term or provision or any other clause, term or provision hereof.  The remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain binding and enforceable, and shall be interpreted so as best to reasonably effect the intent of the parties.  The parties further agree that any such invalid or unenforceable provisions will be deemed replaced with valid and enforceable provisions that achieve, to the extent possible, the business purposes and intent of such invalid and unenforceable provisions.

 

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12.5                        Governing Law and Jurisdiction.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, including all matters of construction, validity, performance and enforcement.

 

12.6                        Relationship of Parties.  The parties hereto are acting and performing as independent contractors, and nothing in this Agreement creates the relationship of partnership, joint venture, sales agency or principal and agent.  Neither party is the agent of the other, and neither party may hold itself out as such to any other person.  All financial obligations associated with each party’s business shall be the sole responsibility of such party.

 

12.7                        Public Announcements.  The form and content of any public announcement to be made by one party regarding the execution or existence of this Agreement, or the subject matter contained herein, shall be subject to the prior written consent of the other party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), except as may be required by applicable law (including, without limitation, disclosure requirements of the SEC, NYSE, or any other stock exchange or NASDAQ), in which case the party making the disclosure shall give the other party reasonable advance notice and review of any such disclosure.  Following the dissemination of such initial public announcement, neither party (nor any of their Affiliates) shall issue any press release or make any public announcement with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby without prior consultation with the other party, except as may be required by applicable law upon the advice of counsel.  Each party shall provide the other party with a reasonable opportunity to review the release or other public announcement prior to disclosure.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, each the parties may each disclose to third parties the information contained in any press release that was previously approved by both of the parties without the need for further approval by the other party.

 

12.8                        No Implied Licenses.  Each of the parties hereby acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise explicitly provided in this Agreement, it does not have, assert or acquire any right, title or interest in or to any Intellectual Property Rights or other proprietary rights of the other party or its Affiliates by entering into this Agreement.

 

12.9                        Notices.  All notices hereunder shall be delivered as follows: (a) personally; (b) by facsimile and confirmed by either first class mail (postage prepaid) or overnight courier service; (c) by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid); or (d) by overnight courier service, to the following addresses of the respective parties:

 

41



 

If to Genzyme:

 

Genzyme Corporation

500 Kendall Street

Cambridge, MA 02142

Attention:  General Manager, Endocrine Business

Facsimile:  (617) 761-8667

With a copy to:

 

Genzyme Corporation

500 Kendall Street

Cambridge, MA 02142

Attention:  General Counsel

Facsimile:  (617) 252-7553

 

If to Veracyte:

 

Veracyte, Inc.

7000 Shoreline Court, Suite 250

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile:  (650) 243-6301

With copy to:

 

Veracyte, Inc.

7000 Shoreline Court, Suite 250

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile:  (650) 243-6301

 

Notices shall be effective upon receipt if personally delivered or delivered by facsimile and confirmed by first class mail, on the third business day following the date of registered or certified mailing, or on the first business day following the date of delivery to the overnight courier.  A party may change its address listed above by written notice to the other party.

 

12.10                 Exchange Controls.  All payments due hereunder shall be paid in United States dollars.  If at any time legal restrictions prevent the prompt remittance of part or all payments, payment shall be made through such lawful means or methods as the parties may determine in good faith.

 

12.11                 Entire Agreement.  Upon the Amendment Effective Date, the Prior Agreement shall be deemed amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth in this Agreement.  This Agreement, together with the Exhibits hereto, contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.  All express or implied agreements and understandings, either oral or written, heretofore made are expressly merged in and made a part of this Agreement, including without limitation the Letter of Intent (including without limitation Exhibit A thereto) dated January 7, 2011 and the amendment thereto dated April 20, 2011, the Confidential Disclosure Agreement dated November 16, 2009,  the Non-Solicitation Agreement dated January 7, 2011 and the Letter of Agreement (including without limitation Exhibit A thereto) dated August 12, 2014 but excluding the Joint Defense Agreement dated as of January 28, 2011, which shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.  This Agreement may be amended, or any term hereof modified, only by a written instrument duly executed by both parties hereto.  Each of the parties hereby acknowledges that this Agreement is the result of mutual negotiation and therefore any ambiguity in their respective terms shall not be construed against the drafting party.

 

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12.12                 Headings.  The captions to the several Sections hereof are not a part of this Agreement, but are merely guides or labels to assist in locating and reading the several Sections hereof.

 

12.13                 Waiver.  Except as expressly provided herein, the waiver by either party hereto of any right hereunder or of any failure to perform or any breach by the other party shall not be deemed a waiver of any other right hereunder or of any other failure to perform or breach by said other party, whether of a similar nature or otherwise, nor shall any singular or partial exercise of such right preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right.

 

12.14                 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Signature pages may be exchanged by facsimile.

 

[Signature page to follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Veracyte and Genzyme have each caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers.

 

VERACYTE, INC.

 

GENZYME CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Bonnie Anderson

 

/s/ David P. Meeker

Bonnie Anderson

 

David Meeker

Chief Executive Officer

 

Chief Executive Officer

Date: Nov 7, 2014

 

Date: Nov. 6, 2014

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED U.S. CO-PROMOTION AGREEMENT]

 



 

*** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Veracyte Patents & Patent Applications (U.S.)

 

Application
Number

 

Application
Date

 

Patent or
Publication
Number

 

Issue or
Publication
Date

 

Title

61/199,585

 

11/17/2008

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

Methods and Compositions of Molecular Profiling for Diagnosis of Cancer

61/270,812

 

7/13/2009

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

Methods and Compositions of Molecular Profiling for Diagnosis of Cancer

12/592,065

 

11/17/2009

 

8,541,170

 

9/24/2013

 

Methods and Compositions of Molecular Profiling for Disease Diagnostics

13/589,022

 

8/17/2012

 

2013-0225662

 

8/29/2013

 

Methods and Compositions of Molecular Profiling for Disease Diagnostics

***

 

***

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

***

***

 

***

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

***

***

 

***

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

***

61/176,471

 

5/7/2009

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

Methods and Compositions for Diagnosis of Thyroid Conditions

14/153,219

 

1/13/2014

 

2014-0228237

 

8/14/2014

 

methods and Compositions for Diagnosis of Thyroid Conditions

13/318,751

 

5/10/2012

 

8,669,057

 

3/11/2014

 

methods and Compositions for Diagnosis of Thyroid Conditions

61/333,717

 

5/11/2010

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

Molecular Classification of Thyroid Nodules Using High-Dimensionality Genomic Data

***

 

***

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

***

61/389,810

 

10/5/2010

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

Methods and Compositions for Diagnosing Conditions

13/105,756

 

5/11/2011

 

11-0312520

 

12/22/2011

 

Methods and Compositions for Diagnosing Conditions

61/568,870

 

12/9/2011

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

Methods and Compositions for Classification of Samples

***

 

***

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

***

13/708,439

 

12/7/2012

 

2013-0231258

 

9/5/2013

 

Methods and Compositions for Classification of Samples

***

 

***

 

Not Yet Available

 

Not Yet Available

 

***

13/710,134

 

12/10/2012

 

2013-0150257

 

6/13/2013

 

Methods and Compositions for Sample Identification

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 

Trademarks

 

“Veracyte” and “Afirma” are registered Trademarks of Veracyte.

 

“Genzyme” and “Thyrogen” are registered Trademarks of Genzyme.

 



 

EXHIBIT C

 

Customer Support

 

1.              In the Territory, Veracyte will provide reasonable first level customer support to end users for the Test.

 

2.              In the Territory, Veracyte will provide a dedicated phone line for end users to call.  Opening hours of the hot line will be adapted for local needs.  Call hours will be mutually determined.

 

Item

 

Description

Coverage Time

 

International : 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (GMT+02:00) Mon- Thu office hours.

 

 

 

Service Language

 

English

 

 

 

Recall time in during coverage time

 

Within 3 hours

 

 

 

Initial Response time

 

Within 24 hours

 

 

 

Number of incidents

 

Unlimited

 



 

*** Confidential material redacted and filed separately with the Commission.

 

EXHIBIT D

 

Territory Sales Force FTEs as of the Amendment Effective Date

 

FTEs in Genzyme’s Territory Sales Force as of the Amendment Effective Date:  *** FTEs

 



 

EXHIBIT E

 

Pharmacovigilance

 

SECTION 1 - DEFINITIONS

 

1.1                               “Adverse Event” shall mean any untoward medical occurrence in a patient or clinical investigation subject using a Subject Product, whether or not related to the Subject Product.

 

1.2                               “Safety Information” shall mean all information on the Subject Products relating to known or potential risks to humans obtained or otherwise received from any source. This includes but is not limited to:

 

(a)                                 any reported deaths of patients, Adverse Events and incidents (see definitions below), irrespective of any suspected causal relationship to the Subject Product;

 

(b)                                 any information (regardless of the fact whether it is associated or not with an Adverse Event) regarding Misuse, Abuse, medication errors, Overdose, lack of efficacy, Off-Label Use, potential transmission of infectious agent via the Subject Product and Occupational Exposure;

 

(i)                                     “Overdose” shall mean the administration of a quantity of a medicinal product given per administration or cumulatively, which is above the maximum recommended dose according to the authorized product information.

 

(ii)                                  “Off-Label Use” shall mean situations where the medicinal product is intentionally used for a medical purpose not in accordance with the authorized product information.

 

(iii)                               “Misuse” shall mean situations where the medicinal product is intentionally and inappropriately used not in accordance with the authorized product information.

 

(iv)                              “Abuse” shall mean the persistent or sporadic, intentional excessive use of a medicinal product, which is accompanied by harmful physical or psychological effects.

 

(v)                                 “Occupational Exposure” shall mean the exposure to a medicinal product, as a result of one’s professional or non-professional occupation.

 

(c)                                  any exposure of pregnancy to the Subject Product via the mother, father or both;

 



 

(d)                                 any information related to studies initiated by independent investigators (“IST”), e.g. also inclusive of awareness of:

 

(i)                                     study protocol amendments for safety reasons or any other safety information related to IST;

 

(ii)                                  other changes to the conduct of the study, its procedures or study documents for safety reasons; or

 

(iii)                               results of assessment of partial or complete safety data or benefit-risk assessments or medical opinions related to an IST regardless by whom (external to Genzyme) these assessments were performed or medical opinions were given; and

 

(e)                                  any safety information associated with a suspected or confirmed counterfeit medical product.

 

SECTION 2 — TRANSMISSION OF SAFETY INFORMATION AND FOLLOW-UP

 

2.1                               Veracyte shall transmit Safety Information in or coming into its possession or control to Genzyme within twenty-four (24) hours after receiving such information by using 1) e-mail or 2) phone. Veracyte shall provide the following information: patient identifiers, reporter name and contact information, the suspect product (drug, dose, route, date of administration), and information regarding the Adverse Event to Genzyme by email, or by phone, in any of the following forms: (i) CIOMS I, (ii) Med Watch, (iii) AE reporting form (electronic or hardcopy) or (iv) any other form specifically agreed to between Veracyte and Genzyme in writing. Such communications should be directed from the relevant Veracyte contact person indicated below, by specifying date of receipt and contact details from the complainant (to allow Genzyme to follow up), to:

 

Email: ***@***

Phone: 800 ###-###-####, option #2

 

Veracyte Contact Person:

Michaela Hart

***@***

650 ###-###-####

 

2.2                               Veracyte will provide monthly listings of any Safety Information received during the month from all sources and countries for reconciliation purposes.  The reconciliation report will include both initial and follow-up Safety Information and will include Veracyte’s report identifiers. The reconciliation report format will be agreed by Genzyme. The report will include information which meets the criteria for Safety Information as defined above in Section 1.

 



 

2.3                               Genzyme, as the holder of the Marketing Authorization(s) for the Subject Product(s), shall be responsible for the investigation and follow-up of Individual Case Safety Reports (“ICSRs”), for submitting expedited and periodic safety reports to Regulatory Authorities in accordance with applicable laws, and for responding to all local Regulatory Authority’s queries.

 

SECTION 3 -  RECORDS

 

3.1                               VERACYTE shall establish and maintain:

 

(a)                                 adequate policies and Standard Operating Procedures to ascertain compliance with the obligations towards the transmission of Safety Information as stipulated under Section 2 above. Veracyte will disclose any of such policies and/or Standard Operating Procedures to Genzyme when requested; and

 

(b)                                 job descriptions and training records for personnel having responsibilities in respect of the handling of Safety Information for the Subject Products.

 

3.2                               Veracyte shall make the records as described above in Section 3.1 available to Genzyme and to any third party designated by Genzyme, and shall provide copies of these records to Genzyme and/or any third party designated by it, within three (3) business days of receiving a request for such records.

 

3.3                               Genzyme shall maintain the records as described above in Section 3.1 for a period of at least three (3) years after the expiration or termination of the Agreement, or such longer period as may be required by law.

 

SECTION 4 — TRAINING

 

4.1                               Veracyte shall ensure training to its personnel involved in the handling of Safety Information within a reasonable period following the Effective Date, to ensure compliance with the procedures contained in this Exhibit E.  Veracyte agrees to ensure that all relevant members of their staff are adequately kept informed on the processes for the handling of Safety Information, as defined in this Exhibit E and in any subsequent amendment thereto.

 

SECTION 5 — AUDIT

 

5.1                               Genzyme, or an Affiliate on its behalf, has the right to audit Veracyte’s pharmacovigilance records to confirm compliance with the relevant provisions hereof and of applicable law.  Such audit may be either a documentary audit or otherwise, and will be performed at reasonable times and places, upon reasonable notice, and at Genzyme’s sole expense, either with Genzyme or an Affiliate’s internal auditors or other individuals or a third party qualified by experience; provided that any third party is reasonably acceptable to vendor.  Veracyte agrees to provide Genzyme, or an

 



 

Affiliate on its behalf, with access to relevant systems, documentation and individuals for purposes of conducting the audit.