Revelation Biosciences (REVB) DEF 14ADefinitive proxy

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

________________

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

________________

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Check the appropriate box:

☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒ Definitive Proxy Statement

☐ Definitive Additional Materials

☐ Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12

Revelation Biosciences, Inc.

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REVELATION BIOSCIENCES, INC.
4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92122

NOTICE OF THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 15, 2024

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Revelation Biosciences, Inc. (“Revelation” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, will be held on May 15, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be a virtual meeting only, and will be held via a Zoom videoconference. Stockholders will not be able to physically attend the meeting. The virtual meeting can be accessed by using the following link: https https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89263967687?pwd=bnN1clhrSVpKUTVRSkdURDZ5YXZjdz09&from=addon. Any stockholder who is unable to join the online meeting can participate by telephone by dialing (929) 205-6099, and using the Zoom Meeting ID 892 6396 7687 and the Passcode 252847.

The purpose of the Annual Meeting will be to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 5, 2024 as the record date for the Annual Meeting and only holders of shares of record at that time will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares, please call us at (650) 800-3717 or our proxy solicitor, Advantage Proxy, at 877-870-8565.

San Diego, CA

April 15, 2024

IMPORTANT

IF YOU CANNOT PERSONALLY ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, IT IS REQUESTED THAT YOU INDICATE YOUR VOTE ON THE ISSUES INCLUDED ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND DATE, SIGN AND MAIL IT IN THE ENCLOSED SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 15, 2024 THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO THE STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT https://revbproxy.com/2024-annual-meeting.

REVELATION BIOSCIENCES, INC.
4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92122

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LEGAL MATTERS

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on May 15, 2024. The Proxy Statement and Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023 are available at https://revbproxy.com/2024-annual-meeting.

Forward-Looking Statements. The Proxy Statement may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on estimates and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in the Proxy Statement, including statements about the Company’s Board of Directors, corporate governance practices, executive compensation program, equity compensation utilization, and environment, social and governance (“ESG”) initiatives, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements expressed or implied in the Proxy Statement. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include those risks described in “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other subsequent documents we file with the SEC. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Website References. Website references throughout this document are inactive textual references and provided for convenience only, and the content on the referenced websites is not incorporated herein by reference and does not constitute a part of the Proxy Statement.

PROXY STATEMENT FOR
THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 15, 2024
FIRST MAILED ON OR ABOUT APRIL 15, 2024

Date, Time and Place of the 2024 Annual Meeting

The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Revelation Biosciences, Inc. (the “Company,” “Revelation” or “we”), a Delaware corporation, in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 15, 2024 for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be a virtual meeting only and will be held via a Zoom videoconference. Stockholders will not be able to physically attend the meeting. The virtual meeting can be accessed by using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89263967687?pwd=bnN1clhrSVpKUTVRSkdURDZ5YXZjdz09&from=addon. Any stockholder who is unable to join the online meeting can participate by telephone by dialing (929) 205-6099, and using the Zoom Meeting ID 892 6396 7687 and the Passcode 252847.

The principal executive office of the Company is 4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92122, and its telephone number, including area code, is (650) 800-3717.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND VOTING

What is a proxy?

A proxy is the legal designation of another person to vote the stock you own. That other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document is also called a proxy or a proxy card. By completing, signing and returning the accompanying proxy card, you are designating James Rolke, Chief Executive Officer, and Chester S. Zygmont, III, Chief Financial Officer, as your proxies for the Annual Meeting and you are authorizing Messrs. Rolke and Zygmont to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting as you have instructed on the proxy card. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote in one of the ways described below so that your vote will be counted even if you are unable or decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.

What is a proxy statement?

A proxy statement is a document that we are required by regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or “SEC,” to give you when we ask you to sign a proxy card designating Messrs. Rolke and Zygmont as proxies to vote on your behalf.

Why did you send me this proxy statement?

We sent you this proxy statement and proxy card because our board of directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment and postponement thereof. This proxy statement summarizes information related to your vote at the Annual Meeting. All stockholders who find it convenient to do so are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting virtually. However, you do not need to attend the meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the proxy card or vote over the Internet, by phone, or by fax.

What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?

If you receive more than one set of proxy materials, your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please complete, sign, and return each proxy card to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

Who is entitled to vote?

The board of directors has fixed the close of business on April 5, 2024 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. On the Record Date, there were 1,632,935 shares of common stock outstanding. Each share of common stock represents one vote that may be voted on each proposal that may come before the Annual Meeting.

What is the difference between holding shares as a record holder and as a beneficial owner (holding shares in street name)?

If your shares are registered in your name with our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are the “record holder” of those shares. If you are a record holder, these proxy materials have been provided directly to you by the Company.

If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account, a bank or other holder of record, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares held in “street name.” If your shares are held in street name, the Notice has been forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct this organization on how to vote your shares. See “How Will my Shares be Voted if I Give No Specific Instruction?” below for information on how shares held in street name will be voted without instructions provided.

Who may attend the Annual Meeting?

Only record holders and beneficial owners of our common stock, or their duly authorized proxies, may attend the Annual Meeting. If your shares of common stock are held in street name, you will need to provide a copy of a brokerage statement or other documentation reflecting your stock ownership as of the Record Date.

What am I voting on?

There are three matters scheduled for a vote:

What if another matter is properly brought before the Annual Meeting?

The board of directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. The proxies also have discretionary authority to vote to adjourn the Annual Meeting, including for the purpose of soliciting votes in accordance with our Board’s recommendations. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the person named in the accompanying proxy to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment.

How do I vote?

Each share of our common stock that you own in your name entitles you to one vote on each of the proposals for the Annual Meeting. Your proxy card shows the number of shares of our common stock that you own.

How many votes do I have?

Holders of record of shares of the Company’s common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held by them on the Record Date and have the right to vote on all matters brought before the Annual Meeting.

Is my vote confidential?

Yes, your vote is confidential. Only the inspector of elections, individuals who help with processing and counting your votes and persons who need access for legal reasons will have access to your vote. This information will not be disclosed, except as required by law.

What constitutes a quorum?

To carry on business at the Annual Meeting, we must have a quorum. Pursuant to our bylaws, a quorum is present when one third of the shares entitled to vote, as of the Record Date, are represented in person or by proxy. Thus, 544,312 shares must be represented in person or by proxy to have a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. Shares owned by the Company are not considered outstanding or considered to be present at the Annual Meeting. If there is not a quorum at the Annual Meeting, either the chairperson of the Annual Meeting or our stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting may adjourn the Annual Meeting.

How will my shares be voted if I give no specific instruction?

We must vote your shares as you have instructed. If there is a matter on which a stockholder of record has given no specific instruction but has authorized us generally to vote the shares, they will be voted as follows:

This authorization would exist, for example, if a stockholder of record merely signs, dates and returns the proxy card but does not indicate how its shares are to be voted on one or more proposals. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting and you do not provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted at the discretion of Messrs. Rolke and Zygmont, the board of directors’ designated proxies.

If your shares are held in street name, see “What is a Broker Non-Vote?” below regarding the ability of banks, brokers and other such holders of record to vote the uninstructed shares of their customers or other beneficial owners in their discretion.

How are votes counted?

Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately count, for the election of directors, “For,” “Against,” “Abstentions” and broker non-votes; and, with respect to the other proposals, votes “For,” “Against,” “Abstentions” and broker non-votes. Broker non-votes will not be included in the tabulation of the voting results of any of the proposals and, therefore, will have no effect on such proposals.

What is a broker non-vote?

A “broker non-vote” occurs when shares held by a broker in “street name” for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a proposal because (1) the broker has not received voting instructions from the stockholder who beneficially owns the shares and (2) the broker lacks the authority to vote the shares at their discretion.

Proposal No. 1 for the election of directors is considered a non-routine matter, and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors.

Proposal No. 2 for the approval of the amendment to the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares reserved under the Plan from 21,623 to 163,294 is considered a non-routine matter, and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal.

Proposal No. 3 for the ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly US, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 is considered a routine matter, and a broker will be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal.

Although the brokers are granted the discretion to vote your shares absent your instruction, many brokers elect not to vote your shares without an instruction from you, so please instruct the organization that holds your shares as to how you wish to vote your shares on your vote instruction form so that your instructions are recorded at the Annual Meeting.

What is an abstention?

An abstention is a stockholder’s affirmative choice to decline to vote on a proposal. Under Delaware law, abstentions are counted as shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Generally, unless provided otherwise by applicable law, our amended and restated bylaws (the “Bylaws”) provide that an action of our stockholders (other than the election of directors) is approved if a majority of the number of shares of stock entitled to vote thereon and present (either in person or by proxy) vote in favor of such action. Therefore, abstentions will have the effect of a vote “against” Proposal.

What vote is required?

____________

What are the voting procedures?

In voting by proxy with regard to the proposals, you may vote in favor of or against the proposal, or you may abstain from voting on the proposal. You should specify your respective choices on the accompanying proxy card or your vote instruction form.

Is my proxy revocable?

You may revoke your proxy and reclaim your right to vote at any time before your proxy is voted by giving written notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company by delivering a properly completed, later-dated proxy card or vote instruction form or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. All written notices of revocation and other communications with respect to revocations of proxies should be addressed to: Revelation Biosciences, Inc., 4660 La Jolla Village Dr., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92122, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Your most current proxy card or Internet proxy is the one that will be counted.

Who is paying for the expenses involved in preparing and mailing this proxy statement?

Revelation will pay the cost of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting. Revelation has engaged Advantage Proxy, which we refer to as the “proxy solicitor,” to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting. Revelation has agreed to pay the proxy solicitor a fee of $10,000, plus disbursements. Revelation will reimburse the proxy solicitor for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and will indemnify the proxy solicitor and its affiliates against certain claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses. Revelation will also reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries representing beneficial owners of shares of common stock for their expenses in forwarding soliciting materials to beneficial owners of the common stock and in obtaining voting instructions from those owners. Revelation’s directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies by telephone, by facsimile, by mail, on the Internet or in person. They will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies.

Do I have dissenters’ rights of appraisal?

Stockholders do not have appraisal rights under Delaware law or under the Company’s governing documents with respect to the matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

How can I find out the results of the voting at the annual meeting?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an amended Form 8-K to publish the final results.

Who can help answer my questions?

If you have questions about the proposals or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement or the enclosed proxy card you should contact our proxy solicitor at:

Advantage Proxy

P.O. Box 13581

Des Moines, Washington 98198

Toll Free: 877-870-8565

Collect: 206-870-8565

Email: ksmith@advantageproxy.com

To obtain timely delivery, Revelation stockholders must request the materials no later than five (5) business days prior to the Annual Meeting. You may also obtain additional information about Revelation from documents filed with the SEC by following the instructions in the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

We currently have five directors on the Board.

In accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our Board is divided into three classes, designated Class A, Class B and Class C, with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a three-year term. There are currently two Class A directors, whose term expires at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; two Class B directors, who are up for election for a term expiring at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; and one Class C director, whose term expires at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Upon the recommendation of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board has nominated James Rolke and Jess Roper for election as Class B directors at the Annual Meeting. James Rolke and Jess Roper each currently serve on the Board. If elected at the Annual Meeting, they will each be elected to hold office until our 2027 Annual Meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier death, retirement, disqualification, resignation or removal.

All of our directors bring to the Board significant leadership experience derived from their professional experience and service as executives or board members of other corporations. The process undertaken by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in recommending qualified director candidates is described below under “Corporate Governance.” Certain individual qualifications and skills of our directors that contribute to the Board’s effectiveness as a whole are described under “Information about Our Directors.”

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR ALL” OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE AS DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.

Information about Our Directors

Set forth below is certain information regarding the directors of the Company, including the nominees for election at the Annual Meeting and their ages as of April 5, 2024.

Class A Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2026 Annual Meeting

Jennifer Carver, BSN, MBA — Director. Ms. Carver has been a director of the Company since May 2020. Ms. Carver brings over 20 years of industry experience with a focus on small biotech companies and their evolution from early development through commercialization. From 2020 to 2021, Ms. Carver has served as Chief Operating Officer at Kartos Therapeutics (Kartos). Prior to Kartos from 2014, Ms. Carver was employed at La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (“La Jolla”) in various leadership roles providing leadership through the clinical development, approval and launch of Giapreza and serving as Chief Operating Officer from 2017 to 2019. Prior to La Jolla, Ms. Carver held positions at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals and Allos Therapeutics, leading teams through the development and approval of Belionostat and Folotyn respectively. Her experience in the healthcare industry spans multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, inflammatory disease, shock, iron overload, and anti-infectives. Ms. Carver has played a critical role in negotiating key alliances, evaluation of financing opportunities, and overseeing rapid organizational growth. Ms. Carver earned her B.S.N. and M.B.A. from University of Colorado. We believe that Ms. Carver’s extensive experience working in the biotechnology industry makes her well-qualified to serve as a director.

Lakhmir Chawla, MD — Director. Dr. Chawla is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Stavro Medical Corporation. Previously, Dr. Chawla was the Chief Medical Officer of Silver Creek Pharma where he oversaw the Acute Ischemic Stroke development program and initiation of the ARPEGGIO neuroprotection study. Prior to that, Dr. Chawla was the Chief Medical Officer at La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company where he oversaw the development and conduct of the Phase 3 ATHOS-3 trial. Prior to joining La Jolla, Dr. Chawla was a Professor of Medicine at the George Washington University, where he had dual appointments in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and in the Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension. Dr. Chawla is an internationally renowned expert in the field of acute kidney injury (AKI) and shock. He is the author of over 160 peer-reviewed publications and a recipient of the International Vicenza Award for Critical Care Nephrology; an award that recognizes individuals who have made seminal clinical research advancements that have significantly improved the care of critically ill patients with AKI and have been adopted worldwide. He remains an active investigator in the fields of AKI biomarkers, AKI risk prediction, AKI therapeutics and chronic kidney disease caused by AKI. We believe that Dr. Chawla is qualified to serve as a director based upon his extensive background in the biotechnology industry.

Class B Director Nominees

James Rolke — Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Rolke cofounded and has been the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Revelation since its inception in May 2020. Mr. Rolke has 29 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, spanning all areas and phases of drug development. Prior to joining the Company, beginning in 2012, Mr. Rolke was employed at La Jolla in various leadership roles overseeing Research and Development and serving as Chief Scientific Officer from 2017 to 2020. While at La Jolla, Mr. Rolke oversaw the development of multiple technologies including six INDs and two marketing approvals: Giapreza for the treatment of distributive shock (US FDA and EMEA) and artesunate for the treatment of severe malaria. Prior to La Jolla, from July 2009 to January 2012 Mr. Rolke was Chief Technology Officer at Pluromed, Inc. (acquired by Sanofi) and played a key role in the approvals of two medical devices via the 510(k) and PMA approval pathways. Prior to Pluromed, Mr. Rolke held several key positions at biotechnology companies, including Director of Operations at Prospect Therapeutics, Inc., Associate Director of Pharmaceutical Development at Mersana Therapeutics, Inc., Manager of Process Development at GlycoGenesys, Inc., Principal Scientist at Surgical Sealants, Inc., Scientist at GelTex, Inc., and Associate Scientist at Alpha-Beta Technology, Inc. Mr. Rolke received his B.S. in chemistry from Keene State College. We believe that Mr. Rolke is qualified to serve as a director based on his role as our Chief Executive Officer and his extensive management experience in the biotechnology industry.

Jess Roper — Director. Mr. Roper has been a director since October 2020. Mr. Roper has considerable financial and audit experience in the sectors of medical device, life sciences, technology, manufacturing, and financial institutions. He currently serves as a Board Member and Audit Chair for Biolase, a publicly traded company that is the global leader in the manufacturing of dental laser systems. Mr. Roper previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Dexcom, retiring in 2017 following a fulfilling and rewarding career. During his 12-year tenure, Dexcom transitioned from a pre-revenue privately held medical device company to a multi-national publicly traded entity. Mr. Roper previously held financial management positions with two other publicly traded companies and one venture funded company. He has played key roles in two initial public offerings, acquisitions/divestitures, and numerous equity and debt financings. Earlier in his career, Mr. Roper was an auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and a bank and information systems examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. He earned a Master of Science in Corporate Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Mr. Roper is a certified public accountant in the state of California. We believe that Mr. Roper is qualified to serve as a director based on his extensive financial and audit experience.

Class C Director Continuing in Office Until the 2025 Annual Meeting

George Tidmarsh, M.D., Ph.D. — Chairman. Dr. Tidmarsh has been Chairman of the Company since its inception in May 2020. Dr. Tidmarsh received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Stanford University, where he also completed his fellowship training in Pediatric Oncology and Neonatology and is currently Adjunct Faculty of Pediatrics and Neonatology since 2018. He served as clinical faculty at Stanford for a number of years after his fellowship prior to devoting his full time to clinical research and development in order to bring new treatments through the FDA approval process. Since 2018 Dr. Tidmarsh has served as a director and chairman of audit committee of Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. Since the Company’s inception in 2020 he has also served as chairman at Revelation Biosciences Inc. Prior to joining Revelation, Dr. Tidmarsh was President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and a Director of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (“La Jolla”) from January 2012 until November 2019. While at La Jolla, Dr. Tidmarsh helped discover the use of angiotensin II for the treatment of shock and led all aspects of development including approval by the FDA and the EMA for the treatment of patients suffering from distributive shock. He also led the development of artesunate for the treatment of severe malaria, which was approved by the FDA. Dr. Tidmarsh has over 30 years of experience in biotechnology, including the successful clinical development of seven FDA-approved drugs. He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Pharma, Inc., a company he founded in 2005, where he continued as CEO until 2008 and Director until 2010. While at Horizon, he invented and led all aspects of development of Duexis, which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. He also founded Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and held senior positions at Coulter Pharmaceutical, Inc. (acquired by GlaxoSmithKline) and SEQUUS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (acquired by Johnson & Johnson). While at Coulter and SEQUUS, Dr. Tidmarsh led the clinical development of BEXXAR and Doxil, respectively, two FDA-approved anti-cancer agents. We believe that Dr. Tidmarsh is qualified to serve as a director based on his extensive management experience in the biotechnology industry.

PROPOSAL 2: AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S 2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Overview

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders are also being asked to approve an amendment to the Revelation Biosciences, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Equity Plan”) to increase the number of shares subject to the 2021 Equity Plan from 21,623 to 163,294, which is equal to 10% of the outstanding common stock at the time of this proxy. The purpose of the 2021 Equity Plan is to advance the interests of Revelation and its stockholders by enabling Revelation and its subsidiaries to attract and retain qualified individuals to perform services, to provide incentive compensation for such individuals in a form that is linked to the growth and profitability of Revelation and increases in stockholder value, and to provide opportunities for equity participation that align the interests of recipients with those of its stockholders.

The 2021 Equity Plan permits the board of directors of Revelation, or a committee or subcommittee thereof, to grant to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants of Revelation and its subsidiaries non-statutory and incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), performance awards, non-employee director awards, and other stock-based awards. If the proposal is approved subject to adjustment, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock to be authorized for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan will be 163,294, with an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning on January 1, 2025 and ending on January 1, 2031 equal to the lesser of: (A) ten percent (10%) of the increase in the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding from the first day of the preceding calendar year to the first day of the current calendar year, as the number of shares are determined on a fully-diluted basis; and (B) such smaller number of shares of Common Stock as may be determined by the Board.

The Board and management are of the opinion that the current number of shares eligible for grant under the 2021 Equity Plan will not be sufficient in the short to medium term to attract, retain and incentivize talented and highly qualified employees. Our calculations suggest that it is prudent to replenish the share reserve at this time. Without the additional shares, we would need to make larger cash payments to eligible participants under the plan. Cash rewards are unlikely to align them and stockholders in the same way that equity grants will. To enable us to continue offering meaningful equity-based incentives to eligible participants, the Board believes that it is both necessary and appropriate to increase the number of shares of common stock available for these purposes.

Our board of directors is recommending that our stockholders approve the amendment to increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan.

Summary of Sound Governance Features of the 2021 Equity Plan

The board of directors believes that the 2021 Equity Plan contains several features that are consistent with protecting the interests of our stockholders and sound corporate governance practices, including the following:

Summary of the 2021 Equity Plan

The following is a summary of the principal features of the 2021 Equity Plan. The summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2021 Equity Plan, which is set forth in Appendix A.

Purpose

The purpose of the 2021 Equity Plan is to advance the interests of Revelation and its stockholders by enabling Revelation and its subsidiaries to attract and retain qualified individuals to perform services, to provide incentive compensation for such individuals in a form that is linked to the growth and profitability of Revelation and increases in stockholder value, and to provide opportunities for equity participation that align the interests of recipients with those of its stockholders.

Administration

The board of directors of Revelation administers the 2021 Equity Plan. The board has delegated plan administration to the Compensation Committee, which is comprised of independent directors. Subject to certain limitations, the Committee has broad authority under the terms of the 2021 Equity Plan to take certain actions under the plan.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may delegate to one or more of its members or to one or more officers of Revelation such administrative duties or powers, as it may deem advisable. The Committee may authorize one or more directors or officers of Revelation to designate employees, other than officers, non-employee directors, or 10% stockholders of Revelation, to receive awards under the 2021 Equity Plan and determine the size of any such awards, subject to certain limitations.

No Re-pricing

The Committee may not, without prior approval of the stockholders of Revelation, effect any re-pricing of any previously granted “underwater” option or SAR by: (i) amending or modifying the terms of the option or SAR to lower the exercise price or grant price; (ii) canceling the underwater option or SAR in exchange for (A) cash; (B) replacement options or SARs having a lower exercise price or grant price; or (C) other awards; or (iii) repurchasing the underwater options or SARs and granting new awards under the 2021 Equity Plan. An option or SAR will be deemed to be “underwater” at any time when the fair market value of common stock of Revelation is less than the exercise price of the option or the grant price of the SAR.

Stock Subject to the 2021 Equity Plan

Subject to adjustment (as described below), the maximum number of shares of Revelation common stock authorized for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan is 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of Revelation on a fully-diluted basis. This limit is also the limit on the number of incentive stock options that may be granted under the 2021 Equity Plan.

Shares that are issued under the 2021 Equity Plan or that are subject to outstanding awards will be applied to reduce the maximum number of shares remaining available for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan only to the extent they are used; provided, however, that the full number of shares subject to a stock-settled SAR or other stock-based award will be counted against the shares authorized for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan, regardless of the number of shares actually issued upon settlement of such SAR or other stock-based award. Any shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations on awards issued under the 2021 Equity Plan, any shares withheld to pay the exercise price or grant price of awards under the 2021 Equity Plan and any shares not issued or delivered as a result of the “net exercise” of an outstanding option or settlement of a SAR in shares will not be counted against the shares authorized for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan and will be available again for grant under the 2021 Equity Plan. Shares subject to awards settled in cash will again be available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2021 Equity Plan. Any shares related to awards granted under the 2021 Equity Plan that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of the shares will be available again for grant under the 2021 Equity Plan. Any shares repurchased by Revelation on the open market using the proceeds from the exercise of an award will not increase the number of shares available for future grant of awards. To the extent permitted by applicable law, shares issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of any entity acquired in any form of combination by Revelation or a subsidiary or otherwise will not be counted against shares available for issuance pursuant to the 2021 Equity Plan. The shares available for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares.

Adjustments

In the event of any reorganization, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, rights offering, divestiture or extraordinary dividend (including a spin off) or other similar change in the corporate structure or shares of common stock of Revelation, the Committee will make the appropriate adjustment or substitution. These adjustments or substitutions may be to the number and kind of securities and property that may be available for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan. In order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants, the Committee may also adjust the number, kind, and exercise price or grant price of securities or other property subject to outstanding awards.

Eligible Participants

Awards may be granted to employees, non-employee directors and consultants of Revelation or any of its subsidiaries. A “consultant” for purposes of the 2021 Equity Plan is one who renders services to Revelation or its subsidiaries that are not in connection with the offer and sale of its securities in a capital raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for its securities.

Types of Awards

The 2021 Equity Plan permits Revelation to grant non-statutory and incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance awards, non-employee director awards and other stock based awards. Awards may be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with any other type of award.

Stock Options. Stock options entitle the holder to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock of Revelation at a specified price, which is called the exercise price, subject to the terms and conditions of the stock option grant. The 2021 Equity Plan permits the grant of both non-statutory and incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted solely to eligible employees of Revelation or its subsidiary. Each stock option granted under the 2021 Equity Plan must be evidenced by an award agreement that specifies the exercise price, the term, the number of shares underlying the stock option, the vesting and any other conditions. The exercise price of each stock option granted under the 2021 Equity Plan must be at least 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock of Revelation as of the date the award is granted to a participant. Fair market value under the plan means, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the closing sale price of common stock of Revelation, as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market, on the grant date. The Committee will fix the terms and conditions of each stock option, subject to certain restrictions, such as a ten-year maximum term.

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock awards and/or restricted stock units, or RSUs, may be granted under the 2021 Equity Plan. A restricted stock award is an award of common stock of Revelation that is subject to restrictions on transfer and risk of forfeiture upon certain events, typically including termination of service. RSUs are similar to restricted stock awards except that no shares are actually awarded to the participant on the grant date. The Committee will determine, and set forth in an award agreement, the period of restriction, the number of shares of restricted stock awards or the number of RSUs granted, and other such conditions or restrictions.

Performance Awards. Performance awards, in the form of cash, shares of common stock of Revelation, other awards or a combination of both, may be granted under the 2021 Equity Plan in such amounts and upon such terms as the Committee may determine. The Committee shall determine, and set forth in an award agreement, the amount of cash and/or number of shares or other awards, the performance goals, the performance periods and other terms and conditions. The extent to which the participant achieves his or her performance goals during the applicable performance period will determine the amount of cash and/or number of shares or other awards earned by the participant.

Non-Employee Director Awards. The Committee at any time and from time-to-time may approve resolutions providing for the automatic grant to non-employee directors of non-statutory stock options. The Committee may also at any time and from time-to-time grant on a discretionary basis to non-employee directors non-statutory stock options. In either case, any such awards may be granted singly, in combination, or in tandem, and may be granted pursuant to such terms, conditions and limitations as the Committee may establish in its sole discretion consistent with the provisions of the 2021 Equity Plan. The Committee may permit non-employee directors to elect to receive all or any portion of their annual retainers, meeting fees or other fees in restricted stock, RSUs, or other stock-based awards in lieu of cash. Under the 2021 Equity Plan the sum of any cash compensation, or other compensation, and the value (determined as of the grant date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor thereto) of awards granted to a non-employee director as compensation for services as a non-employee director during any fiscal year of the Company may not exceed $1,000,000.

Other Stock-Based Awards. Consistent with the terms of the plan, other stock-based awards may be granted to participants in such amounts and upon such terms as the Committee may determine.

Dividend Equivalents. With the exception of stock options and unvested performance awards, awards under the 2021 Equity Plan may, in the Committee’s discretion, earn dividend equivalents with respect to the cash or stock dividends or other distributions that would have been paid on the shares of common stock of Revelation covered by such award had such shares been issued and outstanding on the dividend payment date. However, no dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid on unvested awards. Such dividend equivalents will be converted to cash or additional shares of common stock of Revelation by such formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as determined by the Committee.

Termination of Employment or Other Service

The 2021 Equity Plan provides for certain default rules in the event of a termination of a participant’s employment or other service. These default rules may be modified in an award agreement or an individual agreement between Revelation and a participant. If a participant’s employment or other service with Revelation is terminated for cause, then all outstanding awards held by such participant will be terminated and forfeited. In the event a participant’s employment or other service with Revelation is terminated by reason of death, disability or retirement, then:

In the event a participant’s employment or other service with Revelation is terminated by reason other than for cause, death, disability or retirement, then:

Modification of Rights upon Termination

Upon a participant’s termination of employment or other service with Revelation or any subsidiary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion (which may be exercised at any time on or after the grant date, including following such termination) cause stock options or SARs (or any part thereof) held by such participant as of the effective date of such termination to terminate, become or continue to become exercisable or remain exercisable following such termination of employment or service, and restricted stock, RSUs, performance awards, non-employee director awards and other stock-based awards held by such participant as of the effective date of such termination to terminate, vest or become free of restrictions and conditions to payment, as the case may be, following such termination of employment or service, in each case in the manner determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no stock option or SAR may remain exercisable beyond its expiration date any such action by the Committee adversely affecting any outstanding award will not be effective without the consent of the affected participant, except to the extent the Committee is authorized by the 2021 Equity Plan to take such action.

Forfeiture and Recoupment

If a participant is determined by the Committee to have taken any action while providing services to Revelation or within one year after termination of such services, that would constitute “cause” or an “adverse action,” as such terms are defined in the 2021 Equity Plan, all rights of the participant under the 2021 Equity Plan and any agreements evidencing an award then held by the participant will terminate and be forfeited. The Committee has the authority to rescind the exercise, vesting, issuance or payment in respect of any awards of the participant that were exercised, vested, issued or paid, and require the participant to pay to Revelation, within 10 days of receipt of notice, any amount received or the amount gained as a result of any such rescinded exercise, vesting, issuance or payment. Revelation may defer the exercise of any stock option or SAR for up to six months after receipt of notice of exercise in order for the Board to determine whether “cause” or “adverse action” exists. Revelation is entitled to withhold and deduct future wages or make other arrangements to collect any amount due.

In addition, if Revelation is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, then any participant who is one of the individuals subject to automatic forfeiture under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will reimburse Revelation for the amount of any award received by such individual under the 2021 Equity Plan during the 12 month period following the first public issuance or filing with the SEC, as the case may be, of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement. Revelation also may seek to recover any award made as required by the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any other clawback, forfeiture or recoupment provision required by applicable law or under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which common stock of Revelation is then listed or traded or any policy adopted by Revelation.

Effect of Change in Control

Generally, a change in control will mean:

Subject to the terms of the applicable award agreement or an individual agreement between Revelation and a participant, upon a change in control, the Committee may, in its discretion, determine whether some or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in full or in part, whether the restriction period and performance period applicable to some or all outstanding restricted stock awards and RSUs shall lapse in full or in part and whether the performance measures applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied. The Committee may further require that shares of stock of the corporation resulting from such a change in control, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of common stock of Revelation subject to an outstanding award and that any outstanding awards, in whole or in part, be surrendered to Revelation by the holder, to be immediately cancelled by Revelation, in exchange for a cash payment, shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding Revelation or a combination of both cash and such shares of stock.

Term, Termination and Amendment

Unless sooner terminated by the Board, the 2021 Equity Plan will terminate at midnight on the day before the ten year anniversary of its effective date. No award will be granted after termination of the 2021 Equity Plan, but awards outstanding upon termination of the 2021 Equity Plan will remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of the 2021 Equity Plan.

Subject to certain exceptions, the Board has the authority to suspend or terminate the 2021 Equity Plan or terminate any outstanding award agreement and the Board has the authority to amend the 2021 Equity Plan or amend or modify the terms of any outstanding award at any time and from time to time. No amendments to the 2021 Equity Plan will be effective without approval of Revelation’s stockholders if: (a) stockholder approval of the amendment is then required pursuant to Section 422 of the Code, the rules of the primary stock exchange on which common stock of Revelation is then traded, applicable U.S. state and federal laws or regulations and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where awards are, or will be, granted under the 2021 Equity Plan; or (b) such amendment would: (i) materially increase benefits accruing to participants; (ii) modify the re-pricing provisions of the 2021 Equity Plan; (iii) increase the aggregate number of shares of common stock of Revelation issued or issuable under the 2021 Equity Plan; (iv) increase any limitation set forth in the 2021 Equity Plan on the number of shares of common stock of Revelation which may be issued or the aggregate value of awards which may be made, in respect of any type of award to any single participant during any specified period; (v) modify the eligibility requirements for participants in the 2021 Equity Plan; or (vi) reduce the minimum exercise price or grant price as set forth in the 2021 Equity Plan. No termination, suspension or amendment of the 2021 Equity Plan or an award agreement shall adversely affect any award previously granted under the 2021 Equity Plan without the written consent of the participant holding such award.

Federal Income Tax Information

The following is a general summary, as of the date of this proxy statement, of the federal income tax consequences to participants and Revelation of transactions under the 2021 Equity Plan. This summary is intended for the information of stockholders considering how to vote at the Annual Meeting and not as tax guidance to participants in the 2021 Equity Plan, as the consequences may vary with the types of grants made, the identity of the participant and the method of payment or settlement. The summary does not address the effects of other federal taxes or taxes imposed under state, local or foreign tax laws. Participants are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of participation in the 2021 Equity Plan.

Tax Consequences of Awards

Incentive Stock Options. With respect to incentive stock options, generally, the participant is not taxed, and Revelation is not entitled to a deduction, on either the grant or the exercise of an incentive stock option so long as the requirements of Section 422 of the Code continue to be met. If the participant meets the employment requirements and does not dispose of the shares of common stock of Revelation acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option until at least one year after date of the exercise of the stock option and at least two years after the date the stock option was granted, gain or loss realized on sale of the shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss. If the shares of common stock of Revelation are disposed of before those periods expire, which is called a disqualifying disposition, the participant will be required to recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of common stock of Revelation on the date of exercise over the exercise price, or (ii) if the disposition is a taxable sale or exchange, the amount of gain realized. Upon a disqualifying disposition, Revelation will generally be entitled, in the same tax year, to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant, assuming that a deduction is allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Non-Statutory Stock Options. The grant of a stock option that does not qualify for treatment as an incentive stock option, which is generally referred to as a non-statutory stock option, is generally not a taxable event for the participant. Upon exercise of the stock option, the participant will generally be required to recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of common stock of Revelation acquired upon exercise (determined as of the date of exercise) over the exercise price of the stock option, and Revelation will be entitled to a deduction in an equal amount in the same tax year, assuming that a deduction is allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code. At the time of a subsequent sale or disposition of shares obtained upon exercise of a non-statutory stock option, any gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss, which will be either a long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the shares have been held.

SARs. The grant of an SAR will not cause the participant to recognize ordinary income or entitle Revelation to a deduction for federal income tax purposes. Upon the exercise of an SAR, the participant will recognize ordinary income in the amount of the cash or the value of shares payable to the participant (before reduction for any withholding taxes), and Revelation will receive a corresponding deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant, assuming that a deduction is allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Restricted Stock, RSUs, and Other Stock-Based Awards. The federal income tax consequences with respect to restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares and performance stock units, and other stock unit and stock-based awards depend on the facts and circumstances of each award, including, in particular, the nature of any restrictions imposed with respect to the awards. In general, if an award of stock granted to the participant is subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” (e.g., the award is conditioned upon the future performance of substantial services by the participant) and is nontransferable, a taxable event occurs when the risk of forfeiture ceases or the awards become transferable, whichever first occurs. At such time, the participant will recognize ordinary income to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the stock on such date over the participant’s cost for such stock (if any), and the same amount is deductible by Revelation, assuming that a deduction is allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code. Under certain circumstances, the participant, by making an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, can accelerate federal income tax recognition with respect to an award of stock that is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and transferability restrictions, in which event the ordinary income amount and Revelation’s deduction, assuming that a deduction is allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code, will be measured and timed as of the grant date of the award. If the stock award granted to the participant is not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture or transferability restrictions, the participant will recognize ordinary income with respect to the award to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant over the participant’s cost, if any, and the same amount is deductible by us, assuming that a deduction is allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code. If a stock unit award or other stock-based award is granted but no stock is actually issued to the participant at the time the award is granted, the participant will recognize ordinary income at the time the participant receives the stock free of any substantial risk of forfeiture (or receives cash in lieu of such stock) and the amount of such income will be equal to the fair market value of the stock at such time over the participant’s cost, if any, and the same amount is then deductible by Revelation, assuming that a deduction is allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Withholding Obligations

Revelation is entitled to withhold and deduct from future wages of the participant, to make other arrangements for the collection of, or to require the participant to pay to Revelation, an amount necessary for it to satisfy the participant’s federal, state or local tax withholding obligations with respect to awards granted under the Equity Incentive Plan. Withholding for taxes may be calculated based on the maximum applicable tax rate for the participant’s jurisdiction or such other rate that will not trigger a negative accounting impact on Revelation. The Committee may permit a participant to satisfy a tax withholding obligation by withholding shares of common stock of Revelation underlying an award, tendering previously acquired shares, delivery of a broker exercise notice or a combination of these methods.

Code Section 409A

A participant may be subject to a 20% penalty tax, in addition to ordinary income tax, at the time a grant becomes vested, plus an interest penalty tax, if the grant constitutes deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and the requirements of Section 409A of the Code are not satisfied.

Code Section 162(m)

Pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code, the annual compensation paid to an individual who is a “covered employee” is not deductible by Revelation to the extent it exceeds $1 million. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act, signed into law on December 22, 2017, amended Section 162(m), effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, (i) to expand the definition of a “covered employee” to include any person who was the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer at any time during the year and the three most highly compensated officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer) who were employed at any time during the year whether or not the compensation is reported in the Summary Compensation Table included in the proxy statement for Revelation’s Annual Meeting; (ii) to treat any individual who is considered a covered employee at any time during a tax year beginning after December 31, 2106 as remaining a covered employee permanently; and (iii) to eliminate the performance-based compensation exception to the $1 million deduction limit.

Excise Tax on Parachute Payments

Unless otherwise provided in a separate agreement between a participant and Revelation, if, with respect to a participant, the acceleration of the vesting of an award or the payment of cash in exchange for all or part of an award, together with any other payments that such participant has the right to receive from Revelation, would constitute a “parachute payment” then the payments to such participant will be reduced to the largest amount as will result in no portion of such payments being subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. Such reduction, however, will only be made if the aggregate amount of the payments after such reduction exceeds the difference between the amount of such payments absent such reduction minus the aggregate amount of the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code attributable to any such excess parachute payments. If such provisions are applicable and if an employee will be subject to a 20% excise tax on any “excess parachute payment” pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code, Revelation will be denied a deduction with respect to such excess parachute payment pursuant to Section 280G of the Code.

New Plan Benefits

It is not presently possible to determine the benefits or amounts that will be received by or allocated to participants under the 2021 Equity Plan or would have been received by or allocated to participants for the last completed fiscal year if the amendment to the 2021 Equity Plan had then been in effect because awards under the 2021 Equity Plan will be made at the discretion of the Committee.

Vote Required for Approval

The approval of the amendment to 2021 Equity Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon at the Annual Meeting, voting together as a single class, assuming that a quorum is present. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan Proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect with respect to the approval of this proposal.

Recommendation of the Board

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT OUR STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN.

PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Our board of directors has selected Baker Tilly US, LLP to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Baker Tilly US, LLP has audited our financial statements since fiscal year 2020.

Although stockholder approval of the selection of Baker Tilly US, LLP is not required by law, our board of directors believes it is advisable to give stockholders an opportunity to ratify this selection. If this proposal is not approved at the Annual Meeting, the board of directors may reconsider its selection of Baker Tilly US, LLP.

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT OUR STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Baker Tilly US, LLP acted as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the interim periods in such fiscal years. The following table shows the fees that were incurred by the Company for audit and other services provided by Baker Tilly US, LLP for the years ended years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

____________

(a) Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and the review of its financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory or regulatory filings.

(b) Tax fees represent fees for professional services related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

(c) Other fees represent fees related to our filing of certain Registration Statements.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

All audit related services, tax services and other services rendered by Baker Tilly US, LLP were pre-approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Commencing in 2020, the Audit Committee was charged with all pre-approval activities with respect to the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy that provides for the pre-approval of all services performed for the Company by its independent registered public accounting firm. Our independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval policy, and the fees for the services performed to date.

Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee oversees our financial reporting process. Management has the primary responsibility for the consolidated financial statements and the reporting process, including our system of internal control over financial reporting. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 with management, including a discussion of the quality, not merely the acceptability, of the accounting and financial reporting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.

The Audit Committee reviewed our audited consolidated financial statements with our independent auditor, which is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited consolidated financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, including a discussion of such matters as are required to be discussed under U.S. generally accepted auditing standards. In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditor its independence from us and our management, including as set forth in Auditing Standard 1301: Communications with Audit Committees (formerly known as Auditing Standard No. 16). The Audit Committee has also considered the compatibility of the independent auditor’s provision of non-audit services to us with the auditor’s independence.

The Audit Committee discussed with our independent auditor the overall scope and plan for its audit. The Audit Committee met with the independent auditor, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examinations, its evaluations of our internal controls and the overall quality of our financial reporting.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended that our audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for filing with the SEC. This report is provided by the following directors, who perform the functions of the Audit Committee:

Jess Roper, Chairman of Audit Committee

George Tidmarsh, M.D., Ph.D.

Jennifer Carver, BSN, MBA

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our business affairs are managed under the direction of our Board. Our Board has adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines as a framework for the governance of the Company.

Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors

Our Board is divided into three classes, designated Class A, Class B and Class C, with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a three-year term.

Our officers are appointed by the Board and serve until such person’s successor is appointed or until such person’s earlier resignation, death or removal. Our Board is authorized to appoint persons to the offices set forth in our bylaws as it deems appropriate. Our bylaws provide that our officers may consist of a Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice Presidents and such other offices as may be determined by the Board.

Board Composition

Classified Board of Directors

In accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. At each annual general meeting of stockholders, the successors to the directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following their election. Our directors are divided among the three classes as follows:

We expect that any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. The division of our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control.

Board Diversity

The following chart summarizes certain self-identified personal characteristics of our directors, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(f). Each term used in the table has the meaning given to it in the rule and related instructions.

Director Independence

Our board of directors currently consists of five members. Our board of directors has determined that all of our directors, other than Mr. Rolke, qualify as “independent” directors in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq, Marketplace Rules, or the Nasdaq Listing Rules, which the Company has adopted as its independence standards. Mr. Rolke is not considered independent because he is an executive officer of the Company. Under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the definition of independence includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not, and has not been for at least three years, one of our employees and that neither the director nor any of his or her family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, as required by the Nasdaq Listing Rules, our board of directors has made a subjective determination as to each independent director that no relationships exist that, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations, our board of directors reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regard to each director’s relationships as they may relate to us and our management.

Leadership Structure of the Board

Our bylaws and corporate governance guidelines provide our board of directors with flexibility to combine or separate the positions of Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer.

Our board of directors has concluded that our current leadership structure is appropriate at this time. However, our board of directors will continue to periodically review our leadership structure and may make such changes in the future as it deems appropriate.

Role of Board in Risk Oversight Process

Risk assessment and oversight are an integral part of our governance and management processes. Our board of directors encourages management to promote a culture that incorporates risk management into our corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations. Management discusses strategic and operational risks at regular management meetings and conducts specific strategic planning and review sessions during the year that include a focused discussion and analysis of the risks facing us. Throughout the year, senior management reviews these risks with the board of directors at regular board meetings as part of management presentations that focus on particular business functions, operations or strategies, and presents the steps taken by management to mitigate or eliminate such risks.

Our board of directors does not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through our board of directors as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of our board of directors that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. While our board of directors is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure, our audit committee is responsible for overseeing our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures. The audit committee also approves or disapproves any related person transactions. Our nominating and corporate governance committee monitors the effectiveness of our corporate governance guidelines. Our compensation committee assesses and monitors whether any of our compensation policies and programs has the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking.

Board Committees

Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors may establish other committees to facilitate the management of our business. The composition and functions of each committee are described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors. Each committee has adopted a written charter that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC rules and regulations and the Nasdaq Listing Rules, which are posted on our website. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through our website.

Audit Committee

Revelation has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act and Nasdaq listing rules. In addition, the board of directors adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s duties, will include, but are not limited to:

The composition of the Audit Committee consists of Mr. Roper, Dr. Tidmarsh and Ms. Carver, with Mr. Roper as Chair. Mr. Roper qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the SEC rules. In addition, Revelation certified to Nasdaq that the Audit Committee has, and will continue to have, at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual’s financial sophistication, including being or having been a chief executive officer, chief financial officer or other senior officer with financial oversight responsibilities. It has been determined that Mr. Roper satisfies such requirements.

Nominating and Governance Committee

Revelation’s Nominating and Governance Committee is comprised of Ms. Carver and Drs. Tidmarsh and Chawla, each of whom has been determined to be independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The Nominating and Governance Committee adopted a written charter.

Specific responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee include:

Compensation Committee

Revelation has a Compensation Committee established in accordance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The Compensation Committee is comprised of Drs. Tidmarsh and Chawla and Mr. Roper, each of whom has been determined to be independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules and is a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. The chair of Revelation’s compensation committee is Dr. Chawla.

The Compensation Committee oversees Revelation’s policies relating to compensation and benefits of its officers and employees. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves or recommends corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of its executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer), evaluates the performance of these officers in light of those goals and objectives and approves the compensation of these officers based on such evaluations. The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves or makes recommendations to the board of directors regarding the issuance of stock options and other awards under Revelation’s stock plans to its executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer). The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and makes recommendations to the board of directors with respect to his compensation, and the board of directors retains the authority to make compensation decisions relative to the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee reviews and evaluates, on an annual basis, the compensation committee charter and the compensation committee’s performance.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of the Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of Revelation. None of Revelation’s executive officers serve, or have served during the last fiscal year, as a member of the compensation committee or other board committee performing equivalent functions of any other entity that has one or more executive officers serving as one of Revelation’s directors or on the Compensation Committee.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

The Revelation Board adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all its employees including its principal executive and financial officers.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

None of our directors, executive officers, promoters or control persons has been involved in any events requiring disclosure under Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.

Attendance of Directors at Board Meetings and Annual Meeting of Stockholders

During 2023, the Board of Directors met 5 times, the Compensation Committee met 1 time, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met 1 and the Audit Committee met 4 times. Each director who was on the Board during this timeframe attended at least 91% of the aggregate number of meetings held during his or her term of service. In 2023, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders which was attended by Mr. Rolke. The Company does not have a policy requiring its directors to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Director Compensation

The general policy of the Board is that compensation for independent directors should be a fair mix between cash and equity-based compensation. Additionally, the Company reimburses directors for reasonable expenses incurred during the course of their performance. There are no long-term incentive or medical reimbursement plans. The Company does not pay directors who are part of management for Board service in addition to their regular employee compensation. The Board determines the amount of director compensation. The Board may delegate such authority to the compensation committee.

The following table sets forth the total cash and equity compensation paid to our non-employee directors for service on our board of directors during 2023:

____________

Indemnification Agreements

Our amended and restated bylaws require us to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We have also entered into certain indemnification agreements with our directors and officers.
 

Executive Officers

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers, including their ages as of April 5, 2024:

(1) For Mr. Rolke’s biographical information, see above in “Information about Our Directors”

Chester S. Zygmont, III — Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Zygmont has been the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since inception. Mr. Zygmont brings over 20 years of experience in finance to the company with a wide range of industry applications. In 2016, Mr. Zygmont Co-Founded Jivanas, a social enterprise that owns and operates a factory in Nepal, that is focused on creating jobs for people at risk for human trafficking. Jivanas has operations in Nepal, Hong Kong, and the USA. During 2013, Mr. Zygmont Co-Founded oOxesis Biotechnology, LLC, a biologics lab that worked on developing therapies for unmet needs. From June 2012 to January 2016, Mr. Zygmont was the Senior Director of Finance, at La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company. During Mr. Zygmont’s tenure at La Jolla, he brought the company to its Nasdaq listing. Prior to La Jolla, Mr. Zygmont served as Managing Director at Z3 Capital, LLC from March 2009 to June 2012. Z3 Capital, LLC, a privately held investment firm, focused on investment acquisition and venture funding for multiple startup companies in real estate, medical device and biotechnology. Mr. Zygmont also served as Vice President at Symmetry Advisors, Inc. a private equity leveraged buyout firm. While at Symmetry, he managed all finance and accounting for its SPAC, was a key player on a $600 million buyout of a portfolio company, and subsequently led the restructuring of its manufacturing division. Mr. Zygmont earned his M.S. in Finance from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business and his

B.A. from Eastern University.
 

Executive Officer Compensation

Executive Compensation Overview

Each of the Company’s executive officers receives a base salary to compensate them for services rendered to the Company. The base salary is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, position and responsibilities.

Effective as of July 27, 2021, the Company entered into separate Executive Employment Agreements with Messrs. Rolke and Zygmont for their service as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively (collectively, the “Executive Employment Agreements”). The Executive Employment Agreements provide for a term of three years, unless terminated earlier in accordance with their terms.

The Executive Employment Agreements provide for an annual base salary of $400,000 for Mr. Rolke and $320,000 for Mr. Zygmont. Messrs. Rolke and Zygmont are also eligible to receive an annual performance bonus targeted at 40% for Mr. Rolke and 35% for Mr. Zygmont of their respective base salaries or as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the board (each, an “Annual Bonus”), as well as equity incentive grants as determined by the Board in its sole discretion.

On January 19, 2024, the Compensation Committee increased the annual base salary for Mr. Rolke to $561,000 and for Mr. Zygmont to $405,000, retroactive to January 1, 2024 and approved payment of the 2023 annual performance bonuses for Mr. Rolke in the amount of $237,500 and Mr. Zygmont in the amount of $142,579. Additionally, on April 13, 2023, the Compensation Committee increased the annual base salary for Mr. Rolke to $475,000 and for Mr. Zygmont to $356,448, retroactive to January 1, 2023. In addition, the Compensation Committee increased Messrs. Rolke and Zygmont annual performance bonus targets to 50% for Mr. Rolke and 40% for Mr. Zygmont of their respective base salaries or as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the board (each, an “Annual Bonus”).

Pursuant to the Executive Employment Agreements, if his employment is terminated as a result of a “Covered Termination Event” that is not in connection with a change in control of the Company, then each of Messrs. Rolke and Zygmont will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to twelve months of severance payments at his then current base salary, plus a pro-rata portion of his Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which his termination occurs based on actual achievement of the applicable bonus objectives and/or conditions for such year, plus continuation of medical benefits. If Mr. Rolke’s or Mr. Zygmont’s employment is terminated as a result of a “Covered Termination Event” in connection with a change in control of the Company, then each of Messrs. Rolke and Zygmont will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to one times the sum of his then current base salary, plus his target bonus in effect for the year in which his termination of employment occurs, plus a pro-rata portion of his Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which his termination occurs based on actual achievement of the applicable bonus objectives and/or conditions for such year, continuation of medical benefits and acceleration of vesting of all outstanding and unvested equity-based awards. “Covered Termination Event” means (i) a dismissal or discharge other than for Cause and other than by reason of death or disability, or (ii) a voluntary termination for Good Reason.

Historically, our executive compensation program has reflected our growth and development-oriented corporate culture. To date, the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and President and our other executive officers identified in the 2023 and 2022 Summary Compensation Table below, who we refer to as the named executive officers, has consisted of a combination of base salary, bonuses and long-term incentive compensation in the form of restricted common stock awards and incentive stock options. Our named executive officers who are full-time employees, like all other full-time employees, are eligible to participate in our retirement and health and welfare benefit plans. We will evaluate our compensation values and philosophy and compensation plans and arrangements as circumstances merit. At a minimum, we expect to review executive compensation annually with input from a compensation consultant. As part of this review process, we expect the board of directors and the compensation committee to apply our values and philosophy, while considering the compensation levels needed to ensure our executive compensation program remains competitive with our peers. In connection with our executive compensation program, we will also review whether we are meeting our retention objectives and the potential cost of replacing a key employee.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table shows the total compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 to our executive officers who earned more than $100,000 during each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and were serving as named executive officers as of such date.

Our named executive officers for 2023 and 2022 who appear in the Summary Compensation Table are:

The following table sets forth, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, all compensation paid, distributed or earned for services, including salary and bonus amounts, rendered in all capacities by the Company’s named executive officers. The information contained below represents compensation earned by the Company’s officers for their work related to the Company:

____________

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END

The following table provides information regarding the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan awards and the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan awards for each named executive officer outstanding as of December 31, 2023:

____________

(1) The stock options vest 25% on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and thereafter quarterly over a three-year period, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.

(2) The RSU awards vest 25% on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and thereafter quarterly over a three-year period, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.

(3) The RSU awards vest quarterly over four years, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table also sets forth information known to us regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 5, 2024:

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options or warrants are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing the beneficial ownership percentage of the person or group holding such options or warrants but are not deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing the beneficial ownership percentage of any other person.

The beneficial ownership of our common stock is based on 1,632,935 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of April 5, 2024.

Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock owned by them.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Incentive Plans

The following table contains information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023. As of such date, we had outstanding awards under two equity compensation plans: our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan and our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions, and Director Independence

Related Party Policy

Our Code of Ethics requires us to avoid, wherever possible, all related party transactions that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interests, except under guidelines approved by the board of directors (or the audit committee). Related-party transactions are defined as transactions in which (1) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (2) we or any of our subsidiaries is a participant, and (3) any (a) executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director, (b) greater than 5% beneficial owner of our shares of common stock, or (c) immediate family member, of the persons referred to in clauses (a) and (b), has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity). A conflict of interest situation can arise when a person takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise if a person, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position.

Our audit committee, pursuant to its written charter, will be responsible for reviewing and approving related-party transactions to the extent we enter into such transactions. The audit committee will consider all relevant factors when determining whether to approve a related party transaction, including whether the related party transaction is on terms no less favorable to us than terms generally available from an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction. No director may participate in the approval of any transaction in which he is a related party, but that director is required to provide the audit committee with all material information concerning the transaction. We also require each of our directors and executive officers to complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions.

These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.

To further minimize conflicts of interest, we have agreed not to consummate an initial business combination with an entity that is affiliated with any of our sponsor, officers or directors including (i) an entity that is either a portfolio company of, or has otherwise received a material financial investment from, any private equity fund or investment company (or an affiliate thereof) that is affiliated with any of the foregoing, (ii) an entity in which any of the foregoing or their affiliates are currently passive investors, (iii) an entity in which any of the foregoing or their affiliates are currently officers or directors, or (iv) an entity in which any of the foregoing or their affiliates are currently invested through an investment vehicle controlled by them, unless we have obtained an opinion from an independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions, and the approval of a majority of our disinterested independent directors that the business combination is fair to us and to our unaffiliated stockholders from a financial point of view.

OTHER MATTERS

Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for Next Year’s Annual Meeting

Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, stockholders who wish to submit proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must send such proposals to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement. Such proposals must be received by us as of the close of business (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time) on December 17, 2024 and must comply with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. Such proposals may or may not be included in the proxy statement.

As set forth in our bylaws, if a stockholder intends to make a nomination for director election or present a proposal for other business (other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act) at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholder’s notice must be received by our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement no earlier than the 120th day and no later than the 90th day before the anniversary of the last annual meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, the stockholder’s notice must be delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day after the first public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is made by the Company. Therefore, unless the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary of the Annual Meeting, notice of proposed nominations or proposals (other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act) must be received by our Corporate Secretary no earlier than January 16, 2025 and no later than the close of business (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time) on February 15, 2025. Any such director nomination or stockholder proposal must be a proper matter for stockholder action and must comply with the terms and conditions set forth in our bylaws. If a stockholder fails to meet these deadlines and fails to satisfy the requirements of Rule 14a-4 of the Exchange Act, we may exercise discretionary voting authority under proxies we solicit to vote on any such proposal as we determine appropriate. In addition to satisfying the deadlines in the advance notice provisions of our bylaws, a stockholder who intends to solicit proxies in support of nominees submitted under these advance notice provisions for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must provide the notice required under Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act to our Corporate Secretary in writing not later than the close of business (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time) on March 16, 2024.

Delivery of Documents to Stockholders Sharing an Address

A number of brokerage firms have adopted a procedure approved by the SEC called “householding.” Under this procedure, certain stockholders who have the same address and do not participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive only one copy of the proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement, the Notice and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, until such time as one or more of these stockholders notifies us that they wish to receive individual copies. This procedure helps to reduce duplicate mailings and save printing costs and postage fees, as well as natural resources. If you received a “householding” mailing this year and would like to have additional copies of the proxy materials mailed to you, please send a written request to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement, or call (650) 800-3717, and we will promptly deliver the proxy materials to you. Please contact your broker if you received multiple copies of the proxy materials and would prefer to receive a single copy in the future, or if you would like to opt out of “householding” for future mailings.

Availability of Additional Information

We will provide, free of charge, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including exhibits, on the written or oral request of any stockholder of the Company. Please send a written request to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement, or call the number above.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that we file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

If you would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or if you have questions about the proposals to be presented at the Annual Meeting, you should contact the Company by telephone or in writing:

Revelation Biosciences, Inc.
4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92122
Tel: (650) 800-3717

You may also obtain these documents by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the Company’s proxy solicitation agent at the following address and telephone number:

Advantage Proxy
P.O. Box 13581
Des Moines, WA 98198
Toll Free: 877-870-8565
Collect: 206-870-8565
Email: KSmith@advantageproxy.com

In order to receive timely delivery of the documents in advance of the Annual Meeting, you must make your request for information no later than May 1, 2024.

Dated: April 15, 2024

APPENDIX A

REVELATION BIOSCIENCES, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

(marked to show changes)

1. Purpose of Plan.

The name of the plan is the Revelation Biosciences, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests of Revelation Biosciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and its stockholders by enabling the Company and its Subsidiaries to attract and retain qualified individuals to perform services for the Company and its Subsidiaries, providing incentive compensation for such individuals that is linked to the growth and profitability of the Company and increases in stockholder value and aligning the interests of such individuals with the interests of its stockholders through opportunities for equity participation in the Company.

2. Definitions.

The following terms will have the meanings set forth below, unless the context clearly otherwise requires. Terms defined elsewhere in this Plan will have the same meaning throughout this Plan.

2.1 “Adverse Action” means any action or conduct by a Participant that the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines to be injurious, detrimental, prejudicial or adverse to the interests of the Company or any Subsidiary, including: (a) disclosing confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary to any person not authorized by the Company or Subsidiary to receive it, (b) engaging, directly or indirectly, in any commercial activity that in the judgment of the Committee competes with the business of the Company or any Subsidiary or (c) interfering with the relationships of the Company or any Subsidiary and their respective employees, independent contractors, customers, prospective customers and vendors.

2.2 “Affiliate” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. The Board will have the authority to determine the time or times at which “parent" or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.

2.3 “Applicable Law” means any applicable law, including without limitation, (a) provisions of the Code, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and any rules or regulations thereunder; (b) corporate, securities, tax or other laws, statutes, rules, requirements or regulations, whether federal, state, local or foreign; and (c) rules of any securities exchange, national market system or automated quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed, quoted or traded.

2.4 “Award” or “Awards” means, individually or collectively, an Option, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit, Non-Employee Director Award, or Other Stock-Based Award, in each case granted to an Eligible Recipient pursuant to this Plan.

2.5 “Award Agreement” means either: (a) a written or electronic (as provided in Section 20.7) agreement entered into by the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under this Plan, including any amendment or modification thereof, or (b) a written or electronic (as provided in Section 20.7) statement issued by the Company to a Participant describing the terms and provisions of such an Award, including any amendment or modification thereof.

2.6 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.7 “Broker Exercise Notice” means a written notice pursuant to which a Participant, upon exercise of an Option, irrevocably instructs a broker or dealer to sell a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock to pay all or a portion of the exercise price of the Option or any related withholding tax obligations and remit such sums to the Company and directs the Company to deliver shares of Common Stock to be issued upon such exercise directly to such broker or dealer or its nominee.

2.8 “Cause” means, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, (a) “Cause” as defined in any employment, consulting, severance or similar agreement between the Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (an “Individual Agreement”), or (b) if there is no such Individual Agreement or if it does not define Cause: (i) dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, embezzlement or deliberate injury or attempted injury, in each case related to the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) any unlawful or criminal activity of a serious nature; (iii) any intentional and deliberate breach of a duty or duties that, individually or in the aggregate, are material in relation to the Participant’s overall duties; (iv) any material breach by a Participant of any employment, service, confidentiality, non-compete or non-solicitation agreement entered into with the Company or any Subsidiary; or (v) before a Change in

Control, such other events as will be determined by the Committee. Before a Change in Control, the Committee will, unless otherwise provided in an Individual Agreement, have the sole discretion to determine whether “Cause” exists with respect to sub-clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) above, and its determination will be final.

2.9 “Change in Control” means, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or any Individual Agreement, and except as provided in Section 18, an event described in Section 13.1 of this Plan.

2.10 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be deemed to include a reference to any applicable regulations thereunder and any successor or amended section of the Code.

2.11 “Committee” means the Board or, if the Board so delegates, the Compensation Committee of the Board or a subcommittee thereof, or any other committee delegated authority by the Board to administer this Plan, which is comprised of not less than two Non-Employee Directors who are independent.

2.12 “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $.001 per share, or the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which such Common Stock may be changed in accordance with Section 4.4 of this Plan.

2.13 “Company” means Revelation Biosciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto as provided in Section 20.5 of this Plan.

2.14 “Consultant” means a person engaged to provide bona fide consulting or advisory services (other than as an Employee or a Director) to the Company or any Subsidiary that: (a) are not in connection with the offer and sale of the Company’s securities in a capital raising transaction and (b) do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities.

2.15 “Director” means a member of the Board.

2.16 “Disability” means, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, with respect to a Participant who is a party to an Individual Agreement, which agreement contains a definition of “disability” or “permanent disability” (or words of like import) for purposes of termination of employment thereunder by the Company, “disability” or “permanent disability” as defined in the most recent of such agreements; or in all other cases, means the disability of the Participant such as would entitle the Participant to receive disability income benefits pursuant to the long-term disability plan of the Company or Subsidiary then covering the Participant or, if no such plan exists or is applicable to the Participant, the permanent and total disability of the Participant within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

2.17 “Dividend Equivalents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(l) of this Plan.

2.18 “Effective Date” means January 10, 2022.

2.19 “Eligible Recipients” means all Employees, all Non-Employee Directors and all Consultants.

2.20 “Employee” means any individual performing services for the Company or a Subsidiary and designated as an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary on the payroll records thereof. An Employee will not include any individual during any period he or she is classified or treated by the Company or Subsidiary as an independent contractor, a consultant, or any employee of an employment, consulting or temporary agency or any other entity other than the Company or Subsidiary, without regard to whether such individual is subsequently determined to have been, or is subsequently retroactively reclassified as a common-law employee of the Company or Subsidiary during such period. An individual will not cease to be an Employee in the case of: (a) any leave of absence approved by the Company, or (b) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company or any Subsidiaries. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable, is not so guaranteed, then three (3) months following the ninety-first (91st) day of such leave, any Incentive Stock Option held by a Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Non-Statutory Stock Option. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a Director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

2.21 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Exchange Act herein will be deemed to include a reference to any applicable rules and regulations thereunder and any successor or amended section of the Exchange Act.

2.22 “Fair Market Value” means, with respect to the Common Stock, as of any date a price that is based on the opening, closing, actual, high, low, or average selling prices of a share of Common Stock as reported on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (the “NASDAQ”), NASDAQ Global Market, the NYSE or other established stock exchange (or

exchanges) or another national securities exchange or traded on any established market, the determination shall be made by reference to market quotation. If the Common Stock is not so listed, admitted to unlisted trading privileges or reported on any national exchange, then as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board, OTC Markets or other comparable quotation service, on the applicable date, the preceding trading day, the next succeeding trading day, or an average of trading days that is within thirty (30) days before or after the applicable valuation date, as determined by the Committee in its discretion, provided that with respect to establishing the exercise price of an Option or stock appreciation right, the Committee shall irrevocably commit to grant such Award prior to the period during which the Fair Market Value is determined. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, Fair Market Value shall be deemed to be equal to the closing sale price of the Common Stock as of the end of the regular trading session, as reported by the NYSE, Nasdaq Stock Market or any national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed (or, if no shares were traded on such date, as of the next preceding date on which there was such a trade) or if the Common Stock is not so listed, admitted to unlisted trading privileges or reported on any national exchange, the closing sale price as of the end of the regular trading session, as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board, OTC Markets or other comparable quotation service (or, if no shares were traded or quoted on such date, as of the next preceding date on which there was such a trade or quote). In the event the Common Stock is not publicly traded at the time a determination of its value is required to be made hereunder, the determination of Fair Market Value shall be made by the Committee in such manner as it deems appropriate and in good faith in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, and consistent with the definition of “fair market value” under Section 409A of the Code. If determined by the Committee, such determination will be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes and on all persons, including the Company, the stockholders of the Company, the Participants and their respective successors-in-interest. No member of the Committee will be liable for any determination regarding the fair market value of the Common Stock that is made in good faith.

2.23 “Grant Date” means the date an Award is granted to a Participant pursuant to this Plan and as determined pursuant to Section 5 of this Plan.

2.24 “Incentive Stock Option” means any Stock Option designated and qualified an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, as subject to the terms of Section 19.3 hereafter.

2.25 “Individual Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.8 of this Plan.

2.26 “Non-Employee Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.

2.27 “Non-Employee Director Award” means any Award granted, whether singly, in combination, or in tandem, to an Eligible Recipient who is a Non-Employee Director, pursuant to such applicable terms, conditions and limitations as the Board or Committee may establish in accordance with this Plan, including any Non-Employee Director Option.

2.28 “Non-Employee Director Option” means a Non-Statutory Stock Option granted to a Non-Employee Director pursuant to Section 8 of this Plan.

2.29 “Non-Statutory Stock Option” means a right to purchase Common Stock granted to an Eligible Recipient pursuant to Section 6 of this Plan that is not intended to meet the requirements of or does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

2.30 “Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Statutory Stock Option, including a Non-Employee Director Option.

2.31 “Other Stock-Based Award” means an Award, denominated in Shares, not otherwise described by the terms of this Plan, granted pursuant to Section 9 of this Plan.

2.32 “Participant” means an Eligible Recipient who receives one or more Awards under this Plan.

2.33 “Period of Restriction” means the period when a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Units are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (based on the passage of time, the achievement of Performance Goals, or upon the occurrence of other events as determined by the Committee, in its discretion), as provided in Section 8 of this Plan.

2.34 “Plan Year” means the Company’s fiscal year.

2.35 “Previously Acquired Shares” means shares of Common Stock that are already owned by the Participant or, with respect to any Award, that are to be issued to the Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting or settlement of such Award.

2.36 “Restricted Stock Award” means an award of Common Stock granted to an Eligible Recipient pursuant to Section 8 of this Plan that is subject to the restrictions on transferability and the risk of forfeiture imposed by the provisions of such Section 7.

2.37 “Restricted Stock Unit” means an award denominated in shares of Common Stock granted to an Eligible Recipient pursuant to Section 7 of this Plan.

2.38 “Retirement,” means, unless otherwise defined in the Award Agreement or in an Individual Agreement between the Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, “Retirement” as defined from time to time for purposes of this Plan by the Committee or by the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, if not so defined, means voluntary termination of employment or service by the Participant on or after the date the Participant reaches age fifty-five (55) with the present intention to leave the Company’s industry or to leave the general workforce.

2.39 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Securities Act herein will be deemed to include a reference to any applicable rules and regulations thereunder and any successor or amended section of the Securities Act.

2.40 “Stock-Based Award” means any Award, denominated in Shares, made pursuant to this Plan, including Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Other Stock-Based Awards.

2.41 “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity, whether domestic or foreign, in which the Company has or obtains, directly or indirectly, an interest of more than fifty percent (50%) by reason of stock ownership or otherwise.

2.42 “Tax Date” means the date any withholding or employment related tax obligation arises under the Code or any Applicable Law for a Participant with respect to an Award.

2.43 “Tax Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 20.8 of this Plan.

3. Plan Administration.

3.1 The Committee. The Plan will be administered by the Committee. The Committee will act by majority approval of the members at a meeting or by unanimous written consent, and a majority of the members of the Committee will constitute a quorum. The Committee may exercise its duties, power and authority under this Plan in its sole discretion without the consent of any Participant or other party, unless this Plan specifically provides otherwise. The Committee will not be obligated to treat Participants or Eligible Recipients uniformly, and determinations made under this Plan may be made by the Committee selectively among Participants or Eligible Recipients, whether or not such Participants and Eligible Recipients are similarly situated. Each determination, interpretation or other action made or taken by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of this Plan will be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes and on all persons, and no member of the Committee will be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan or any Award granted under this Plan.

3.2 Authority of the Committee. In accordance with and subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee will have full and exclusive discretionary power and authority to take such actions as it deems necessary and advisable with respect to the administration of this Plan, including the following:

(a) To designate the Eligible Recipients to be selected as Participants;

(b) To determine the nature, extent and terms of the Awards to be made to each Participant, including the amount of cash or number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to each Award, any exercise price or grant price, the manner in which Awards will vest, become exercisable, settled or paid out and whether Awards will be granted in tandem with other Awards, and the form of Award Agreement, if any, evidencing such Award;

(c) To determine the time or times when Awards will be granted;

(d) To determine the duration of each Award;

(e) To determine the terms, restrictions and other conditions to which the grant of an Award or the payment or vesting of Awards may be subject;

(f) To construe and interpret this Plan and Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration and in so doing, to correct any defect, omission, or inconsistency in this Plan or in an Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it will deem necessary or expedient to make this Plan fully effective;

(g) To determine Fair Market Value in accordance with Section 2.23 of this Plan;

(h) To amend this Plan or any Award Agreement, as provided in this Plan;

(i) To adopt sub-plans or special provisions applicable to Awards regulated by the laws of a jurisdiction other than, and outside of, the United States, which except as otherwise provided in this Plan, such sub-plans or special provisions may take precedence over other provisions of this Plan;

(j) To authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any Award Agreement or any other instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Committee;

(k) To determine whether Awards will be settled in shares of Common Stock, cash or in any combination thereof;

(l) To determine whether Awards will be adjusted for dividend equivalents, with “Dividend Equivalents” meaning a credit, made at the discretion of the Committee, to the account of a Participant in an amount equal to the cash dividends paid on one share of Common Stock for each share of Common Stock represented by an Award held by such Participant, subject to Section 12 of this Plan and any other provision of this Plan, and which Dividend Equivalents may be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Awards to which they attach and may be settled in the form of cash, shares of Common Stock, or in any combination of both; and

(m) To impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by a Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any shares of Common Stock, including restrictions under an insider trading policy, stock ownership guidelines, restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers and other restrictions designed to increase equity ownership by Participants or otherwise align the interests of Participants with the Company’s stockholders.

All decisions and interpretations of the Committee shall be binding on all persons, including the Company and Participants.

3.3 Delegation. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Committee may delegate to one or more of its members or to one or more officers of the Company or any Subsidiary or to one or more agents or advisors such administrative duties or powers as it may deem advisable, and the Committee or any individuals to whom it has delegated duties or powers as aforesaid may employ one or more individuals to render advice with respect to any responsibility the Committee or such individuals may have under this Plan. The Committee may, by resolution, authorize one or more directors of the Company or one or more officers of the Company to do one or both of the following on the same basis as can the Committee: (a) designate Eligible Recipients to be recipients of Awards pursuant to this Plan; and (b) determine the size of any such Awards; provided, however, that (x) the Committee will not delegate such responsibilities to any such director(s) or officer(s) for any Awards granted to an Eligible Recipient: (i) who is a Non-Employee Director or who is subject to the reporting and liability provisions of Section 16 under the Exchange Act, or (ii) to whom authority to grant or amend Awards has been delegated hereunder; provided, further; that any delegation of administrative authority will only be permitted to the extent it is permissible under Applicable Law; (y) the resolution providing such authorization will set forth the type of Awards and total number of each type of Awards such director(s) or officer(s) may grant; and (z) such director(s) or officer(s) will report periodically to the Committee regarding the nature and scope of the Awards granted pursuant to the authority delegated. At all times, the delegate appointed under this Section 3.3 will serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Committee.

3.4 No Re-pricing. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, and subject to the terms of sub-section (b) below,

(a) the Committee may not, without prior approval of the Company’s stockholders, seek to effect any re-pricing of any previously granted, “underwater” Option or stock appreciation right by: (i) amending or modifying the terms of the Option or stock appreciation right to lower the exercise price or grant price; (ii) canceling the underwater Option or stock appreciation right in exchange for (A) cash; (B) replacement Options having a lower exercise price or grant price; or (C) other Awards; or (iii) repurchasing the underwater Options and granting new Awards under this Plan. For purposes of this Section 3.4, an Option will be deemed to be “underwater” at any time when the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock is less than the exercise price of the Option.

(b) the terms of this Section 3.4 shall only apply if the Company is required to secure prior approval of the Company’s stockholders to effect any such re-pricing: (i) under any law, rule or regulation to which it is subject, or (ii) if the Common Stock is listed on any securities exchange that requires approval of the stockholders of a listed company to effect any such re-pricing.

3.5 Participants Based Outside of the United States. In addition to the authority of the Committee under Section 3.2(i) and notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend the terms of this Plan or Awards with respect to Participants resident outside of the United States or employed by a non-U.S. Subsidiary in order to comply with local legal requirements, to otherwise protect the Company’s or Subsidiary’s interests or to meet objectives of this Plan, and may, where appropriate, establish one or more sub-plans (including the adoption of any required rules and regulations) for the purposes of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws. The Committee will have no authority, however, to take action pursuant to this Section 3.5:(a) to reserve shares of Common Stock or grant Awards in excess of the limitations provided in Section 4.1 of this Plan; (b) to effect

any re-pricing in violation of Section 3.4 of this Plan; (c) to grant Options having an exercise price or grant price less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the Grant Date in violation of Section 6.3 of this Plan; or (d) for which stockholder approval would then be required pursuant to Sections 17.2 or 17.3 of this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate the Securities Act or any other applicable United States securities code, Code, or any other applicable United States governing statue or law.

4. Shares Available for Issuance.

4.1 Maximum Number of Shares Available. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock reserved and available for issuance under the Plan shall be 21,623 163,294 shares; (the “Initial Limit”), subject to adjustments provided in Section 4.4 of the Plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock reserved and an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending on January 1, 2031 equal to the lesser of: (A) ten percent (10%) of the increase in the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding from the first day of the preceding calendar year to the first day of the current calendar year, as the number of shares are determined on a fully-diluted basis assuming the conversion into Common Stock of any convertible securities, including shares of preferred stock; upon the conversion of any convertible indebtedness, and upon the exercise of any Common Stock purchase warrants issued in a capital transaction (generally, either a financing or acquisition transaction); but excluding Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of any outstanding stock options or warrants granted under this Plan or in any non-capital type transaction (generally intended to exclude options or warrants granted as a form of compensation in connection with services rendered or to be rendered); and (B) such smaller number of shares of Common Stock as may be determined by the Board. For the purposes of the above, in the case of convertible securities that may be issued subject to a variable exercise or conversion price, the number of outstanding shares will be determined as if the convertible securities were exercised and/or converted at the lowest price possible under the existing instrument. The shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan may, at the election of the Committee, be either treasury shares or shares authorized but unissued, and, if treasury shares are used, all references in the Plan to the issuance of shares will, for corporate law purposes, be deemed to mean the transfer of shares from treasury.

4.2 Limits on Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan to the contrary and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.4 of this Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that will be available for issuance pursuant to Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed the number of shares of Common Stock eligible for Awards under the Plan.

4.3 Accounting for Awards. Shares of Common Stock that are issued under this Plan or that are subject to outstanding Awards will be applied to reduce the maximum number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance under this Plan only to the extent they are used; provided, however, that the full number of shares of Common Stock subject to any other Stock-Based Award will be counted against the shares authorized for issuance under this Plan, regardless of the number of shares actually issued upon settlement of such other Stock-Based Award. Furthermore, any shares of Common Stock withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations on Awards issued under this Plan, any shares of Common Stock withheld to pay the exercise price or grant price of Awards under this Plan and any shares of Common Stock not issued or delivered as a result of the “net exercise” of an outstanding Option pursuant to Section 6.5 will be counted against the shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under this Plan and will not be available again for grant under this Plan. Any shares of Common Stock repurchased by the Company on the open market using the proceeds from the exercise of an Award will not increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for future grant of Awards. Any shares of Common Stock related to Awards granted under this Plan that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of the shares of Common Stock, will be available again for grant under this Plan. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, shares of Common Stock issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of any entity acquired in any form of combination by the Company or a Subsidiary pursuant to Section 18 of this Plan or otherwise will not be counted against shares of Common Stock available for issuance pursuant to this Plan. The shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares.

4.4 Adjustments to Shares and Awards. In the event of any reorganization, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, rights offering, divestiture or extraordinary dividend (including a spin off) or any other similar change in the corporate structure or shares of Common Stock the Company, the Committee (or, if the Company is not the surviving corporation in any such transaction, the board of directors of the surviving corporation) will make appropriate adjustment or substitutions (which determination will be conclusive) as to: (i) the number and kind of securities or other property (including cash) available for issuance or payment under this Plan, including the sub-limits set forth in Section 4.2 of this Plan, and (ii) in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants, the number and kind of securities or other property (including cash) subject to outstanding Awards and the exercise price of outstanding Awards; provided, however, that this Section 4.4 will not limit the authority of the Committee to take action pursuant to Section 13 of this Plan in the event of a Change in Control. The determination of the Committee as to the foregoing adjustments and/or substitutions, if any, will be final, conclusive and binding on Participants under this Plan.

Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, without affecting the number of shares of Common Stock reserved or available hereunder, the limits in Section 4.2 of this Plan, the Committee may authorize the issuance or assumption of benefits under this Plan in connection with any merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock or reorganization upon such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate, subject to compliance with the rules under Sections 422, 424 and 409A of the Code, as and where applicable.

5. Participation.

Participants in this Plan will be those Eligible Recipients who, in the judgment of the Committee, have contributed, are contributing or are expected to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Company or its Subsidiaries. Eligible Recipients may be granted from time to time one or more Awards, singly or in combination or in tandem with other Awards, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Awards will be deemed to be granted as of the date specified in the grant resolution of the Committee, which date will be the Grant Date of any related Award Agreement with the Participant.

6. Options.

6.1 Grant. An Eligible Recipient may be granted one or more Options under this Plan, and such Options will be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of this Plan, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Incentive Stock Options may be granted solely to eligible Employees of the Company or a Subsidiary. The Committee may designate whether an Option is to be considered an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Statutory Stock Option. To the extent that any Incentive Stock Option (or portion thereof) granted under this Plan ceases for any reason to qualify as an “incentive stock option” for purposes of Section 422 of the Code, such Incentive Stock Option (or portion thereof) will continue to be outstanding for purposes of this Plan but will thereafter be deemed to be a Non-Statutory Stock Option. Options may be granted to an Eligible Recipient for services provided to a Subsidiary only if, with respect to such Eligible Recipient, the underlying shares of Common Stock constitute “service recipient stock” within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iii) promulgated under the Code.

6.2 Award Agreement. Each Option grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will set forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each Award which may include, without limitation the exercise price of the Option, the maximum duration of the Option, the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Option pertains, the conditions upon which an Option will become vested and exercisable, and the provisions applicable in the event employment or service terminates.

6.3 Exercise Price. The per share price to be paid by a Participant upon exercise of an Option granted pursuant to this Section 6 will be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion at the time of the Option grant; provided, however, that such price will not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the Grant Date (one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value if, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, the Participant owns, directly or indirectly, more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company).

6.4 Special Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time the respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any calendar year under all plans of the Company and any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation thereof (both as defined in Section 424 of the Code) which provide for the grant of Incentive Stock Options exceeds One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) (or such other individual limit as may be in effect under the Code on the date of grant), the portion of such Incentive Stock Options that exceeds such threshold shall be treated as Non-qualified Stock Options. The Committee shall determine, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, treasury regulations and other administrative pronouncements, which of a Participant’s Options, which were intended by the Committee to be Incentive Stock Options when granted to the Participant, will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation, and shall notify the Participant of such determination as soon as practicable after such determination.

6.5 Exercisability and Duration. An Option will become exercisable at such times and in such installments and upon such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion at the time of grant, including (a) the achievement of one or more of the Performance Goals; or that (b) the Participant remain in the continuous employment or service with the Company or a Subsidiary for a certain period; provided, however, that no Option may be exercisable after ten (10) years from the Grant Date (five (5) years from the Grant Date in the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to a Participant who owns, directly or indirectly, more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the exercise of an Option that is exercisable in accordance with its terms is prevented by the provisions of Section 15 of this Plan, the Option will remain exercisable until thirty (30) days after the date such exercise first would no longer be prevented by such provisions, but in any event no later than the expiration date of such Option.

6.6 Payment of Exercise Price. The total purchase price of the shares of Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise of an Option will be paid entirely in cash (including check, bank draft or money order); provided, however, that the Committee, in its sole

discretion and upon terms and conditions established by the Committee, may allow such payments to be made, in whole or in part, by (i) tender of a Broker Exercise Notice; (ii) by tender, either by actual delivery or attestation as to ownership, of Previously Acquired Shares; (iii) a “net exercise” of the Option (as further described in paragraph (b), below); (iv) by a combination of such methods; or (v) any other method approved or accepted by the Committee in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, no Participant who is a Director or an “executive officer” of the Company within the meaning of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act will be permitted to make payment with respect to any Awards granted under this Plan or continue any extension of credit with respect to such payment with a loan from the Company or a loan arranged by the Company in violation of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act. In the case of a “net exercise” of an Option, the Company will not require a payment of the exercise price of the Option from the Participant but will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise by the largest number of whole shares that has a Fair Market Value on the exercise date that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price for the shares exercised under this method. Shares of Common Stock will no longer be outstanding under an Option (and will therefore not thereafter be exercisable) following the exercise of such Option to the extent of (i) shares used to pay the exercise price of an Option under the “net exercise,” (ii) shares actually delivered to the Participant as a result of such exercise and (iii) any shares withheld for purposes of tax withholding pursuant to Section 12 of this Plan. For purposes of such payment, Previously Acquired Shares tendered or covered by an attestation will be valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date of the Option.

6.7 Manner of Exercise. An Option may be exercised by a Participant in whole or in part from time to time, subject to the conditions contained in this Plan and in the Award Agreement evidencing such Option, by delivery in person, by facsimile or electronic transmission or through the mail of written notice of exercise to the Company at its principal executive office (or to the Company’s designee as may be established from time to time by the Company and communicated to Participants) and by paying in full the total exercise price for the shares of Common Stock to be purchased in accordance with Section 6.5 of this Plan.

7. Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units.

7.1 Grant. An Eligible Recipient may be granted one or more Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units under this Plan, and such Awards will be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of this Plan, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Restricted Stock Units will be similar to Restricted Stock Awards except that no shares of Common Stock are actually awarded to the Participant on the Grant Date of the Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Units will be denominated in shares of Common Stock but paid in cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock as the Committee, in its sole discretion, will determine, and as provided in the Award Agreement.

7.2 Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the type of Award, the period(s) of restriction, the number of shares of restricted Common Stock, or the number of Restricted Stock Units granted, and such other provisions as the Committee will determine that are not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan.

7.3 Conditions and Restrictions. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, the Committee will impose such conditions or restrictions on a Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Plan as it may deem advisable including a requirement that Participants pay a stipulated purchase price for each share of Common Stock underlying a Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units, restrictions based upon the achievement of specific Performance Goals, time-based restrictions on vesting following the attainment of the Performance Goals, time-based restrictions, restrictions under Applicable Laws or holding requirements or sale restrictions placed on the shares of Common Stock by the Company upon vesting of such Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units.

7.4 Voting Rights. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in a Participant’s Award Agreement, to the extent permitted or required by Applicable Law, as determined by the Committee, Participants holding a Restricted Stock Award granted hereunder will be granted the right to exercise full voting rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying such Restricted Stock Award during the Period of Restriction. A Participant will have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder.

7.5 Dividend Rights. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in a Participant’s Award Agreement, to the extent permitted or required by Applicable Law, as determined by the Committee, Participants holding a Restricted Stock Award granted hereunder will have the same dividend rights as the Company’s other stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing any such dividends as to a Restricted Stock Award that is subject to vesting requirements will be subject to forfeiture and termination to the same extent as the Restricted Stock Award to which such dividends relate and the Award Agreement may require that any cash dividends be reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award and subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Restricted Stock Award with respect to which the dividends were paid. In no event will dividends with respect to Restricted Stock Awards that are subject to vesting be paid or distributed until the vesting provisions of such Restricted Stock Award lapse.

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in a Participant’s Award Agreement, to the extent permitted or required by Applicable Law, as determined by the Committee, prior to settlement or forfeiture, any Restricted Stock Units awarded under this Plan may, at the Committee’s discretion, carry with it a right to Dividend Equivalents. Such right entitles the Participant to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one share of Common Stock while the Restricted Stock Unit is outstanding. Dividend Equivalents may be converted into additional Restricted Stock Units and may (and will, to the extent required below) be made subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Restricted Stock Units to which they attach. Settlement of Dividend Equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of shares of Common Stock, or in a combination of both. Dividend Equivalents as to Restricted Stock Units will be subject to forfeiture and termination to the same extent as the corresponding Restricted Stock Units as to which the Dividend Equivalents relate. In no event will Participants holding Restricted Stock Units be entitled to receive any Dividend Equivalents on such Restricted Stock Units until the vesting provisions of such Restricted Stock Units lapse.

7.6 Enforcement of Restrictions. To enforce the restrictions referred to in this Section 8, the Committee may place a legend on the stock certificates representing Restricted Stock Awards referring to such restrictions and may require the Participant, until the restrictions have lapsed, to keep the stock certificates, together with duly endorsed stock powers, in the custody of the Company or its transfer agent, or to maintain evidence of stock ownership, together with duly endorsed stock powers, in a certificateless book entry stock account with the Company’s transfer agent. Alternatively, Restricted Stock Awards may be held in non-certificated form pursuant to such terms and conditions as the Company may establish with its registrar and transfer agent or any third-party administrator designated by the Company to hold Restricted Stock Awards on behalf of Participants.

7.7 Lapse of Restrictions; Settlement. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan, including without limitation this Section 7 and 14.4 of this Plan, shares of Common Stock underlying a Restricted Stock Award will become freely transferable by the Participant after all conditions and restrictions applicable to such shares have been satisfied or lapse (including satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding obligations). Upon the vesting of a Restricted Stock Unit, the Restricted Stock Unit will be settled, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Award Agreement, (a) in cash, based upon the Fair Market Value of the vested underlying shares of Common Stock, (b) in shares of Common Stock or (c) a combination thereof, as provided in the Award Agreement, except to the extent that a Participant has properly elected to defer income that may be attributable to a Restricted Stock Unit under a Company deferred compensation plan or arrangement.

7.8 Section 83(b) Election for Restricted Stock Award. If a Participant makes an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to a Restricted Stock Award, the Participant must file, within thirty (30) days following the Grant Date of the Restricted Stock Award, a copy of such election with the Company and with the Internal Revenue Service, in accordance with the regulations under Section 83 of the Code. The Committee may provide in the Award Agreement that the Restricted Stock Award is conditioned upon the Participant’s making or refraining from making an election with respect to the award under Section 83(b) of the Code.

8. Non-Employee Director Awards.

8.1 Automatic and Non-Discretionary Awards to Non-Employee Directors. Subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of this Plan, the Committee at any time and from time to time may approve resolutions providing for the automatic grant to Non-Employee Directors of Non-Employee Director Awards granted under this Plan and may grant to Non-Employee Directors such discretionary Non-Employee Director Awards on such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of this Plan, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and set forth in an applicable Award Agreement.

8.2 Deferral of Award Payment; Election to Receive Award in Lieu of Retainers. The Committee may permit Non-Employee Directors the opportunity to defer the payment of an Award pursuant to such terms and conditions as the Committee may prescribe from time to time. In addition, the Committee may permit Non-Employee Directors to elect to receive, pursuant to the procedures established by the Board or a committee of the Board, all or any portion of their annual retainers, meeting fees, or other fees in Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Deferred Stock Units or other Stock-Based Awards as contemplated by this Plan in lieu of cash.

8.3 Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to an Award granted under the Plan during any single fiscal year to any Non-Employee Director, when taken together with any cash fees paid to such Non-Employee Director during such year in respect of his service as a Non-Employee Director (including service as a member or chair of any committee of the Board), shall not exceed one million USD ($1,000,000) in total value (calculating the value of any such Award based on the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award for financial reporting purposes).

9. Other Stock-Based Awards.

9.1 Other Stock-Based Awards. Subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of this Plan, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, the Committee may grant Other Stock-Based Awards to Eligible Recipients not otherwise described by the terms of this Plan (including the grant or offer for sale of unrestricted shares of Common Stock) in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee will determine. Such Awards may involve the transfer of actual

shares of Common Stock to Participants as a bonus or in lieu of obligations to pay cash or deliver other property under this Plan or under other plans or compensatory arrangements, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of shares of Common Stock and may include Awards designed to comply with or take advantage of the applicable local laws of jurisdictions other than the United States.

9.2 Value of Other Stock-Based Awards. Each Other Stock-Based Award will be expressed in terms of shares of Common Stock or units based on shares of Common Stock, as determined by the Committee. The Committee may establish Performance Goals in its discretion for any Other Stock-Based Award. If the Committee exercises its discretion to establish Performance Goals for any such Awards, the number or value of Other Stock-Based Awards that will be paid out to the Participant will depend on the extent to which the Performance Goals are met.

9.3 Payment of Other Stock-Based Awards. Payment, if any, with respect to an Other Stock-Based Award will be made in accordance with the terms of the Award, in cash or shares of Common Stock for any Other Stock-Based Award, as the Committee determines, except to the extent that a Participant has properly elected to defer payment that may be attributable to an Other Stock-Based Award under a Company deferred compensation plan or arrangement.

10. Dividend Equivalents.

Subject to the provisions of this Plan and any Award Agreement, any Participant selected by the Committee may be granted Dividend Equivalents based on the dividends declared on shares of Common Stock that are subject to any Award (including any Award that has been deferred), to be credited as of dividend payment dates, during the period between the date the Award is granted and the date the Award is exercised, vests, settles, is paid or expires, as determined by the Committee. Such Dividend Equivalents will be converted to cash or additional shares of Common Stock by such formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Committee and the Committee may provide that such amounts (if any) will be deemed to have been reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock or otherwise reinvested. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not grant Dividend Equivalents based on the dividends declared on shares of Common Stock that are subject to an Option or stock appreciation right or unvested Performance Awards; and further, no dividend or Dividend Equivalents will be paid out with respect to any unvested Awards.

11. Effect of Termination of Employment or Other Service.

11.1 For purposes of the Plan, the following events shall not be deemed a termination of Employment or Other Services:

(a) Transfer to the employment of the Company from an Affiliate or from the Company to an Affiliate.

(b) An approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the employee’s right to re-employment is guaranteed either by statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee otherwise so provides in writing.

11.2 Termination Due to Cause. Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Committee in its sole discretion in an Award Agreement or the terms of an Individual Agreement between the Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or a plan or policy of the Company applicable to the Participant specifically provides otherwise, and subject to Sections 11.4 and 11.5 of this Plan, in the event a Participant’s employment or other service with the Company and all Subsidiaries is terminated for Cause:

(a) All outstanding Options held by the Participant as of the effective date of such termination will be immediately terminated and forfeited;

(b) All outstanding but unvested Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Stock-Based Awards held by the Participant as of the effective date of such termination will be terminated and forfeited; and

(c) All other outstanding Awards to the extent not vested will be immediately terminated and forfeited.

11.3 Termination Due to Death, Disability or Retirement. Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Committee in its sole discretion in an Award Agreement between the Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or the terms of an Individual Agreement or a plan or policy of the Company applicable to the Participant specifically provides otherwise, and subject to Sections 11.4, 11.5 and 13 of this Plan, in the event a Participant’s employment or other service with the Company and all Subsidiaries is terminated by reason of death or Disability of a Participant, or in the case of a Participant that is an Employee, Retirement:

(a) All outstanding Options (excluding Non-Employee Director Options in the case of Retirement) held by the Participant as of the effective date of such termination or Retirement will, to the extent exercisable as of the date of such termination or Retirement,

remain exercisable for a period of one (1) year after the date of such termination or Retirement (but in no event after the expiration date of any such Option) and Options not exercisable as of the date of such termination or Retirement will be terminated and forfeited;

(b) All outstanding unvested Restricted Stock Awards held by the Participant as of the effective date of such termination or Retirement will be terminated and forfeited; and

(c) All outstanding unvested Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock-Based Awards held by the Participant as of the effective date of such termination or Retirement will be terminated and forfeited; provided, however, that with respect to any such Awards the vesting of which is based on the achievement of Performance Goals, if a Participant’s employment or other service with the Company or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, is terminated prior to the end of the Performance Period of such Award, but after the conclusion of a portion of the Performance Period (but in no event less than one year), the Committee may, in its sole discretion, cause shares of Common Stock to be delivered or payment made (except to the extent that a Participant has properly elected to defer income that may be attributable to such Award under a Company deferred compensation plan or arrangement) with respect to the Participant’s Award, but only if otherwise earned for the entire Performance Period and only with respect to the portion of the applicable Performance Period completed at the date of such event, with proration based on the number of months or years that the Participant was employed or performed services during the Performance Period. The Committee will consider the provisions of Section 13.5 of this Plan and will have the discretion to consider any other fact or circumstance in making its decision as to whether to deliver such shares of Common Stock or other payment, including whether the Participant again becomes employed.

11.4 Termination for Reasons Other than Death, Disability or Retirement. Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Committee in its sole discretion in an Award Agreement or the terms of an Individual Agreement between the Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or a plan or policy of the Company applicable to the Participant specifically provides otherwise, and subject to Sections 11.4, 11.5 and 13 of this Plan, in the event a Participant’s employment or other service with the Company and all Subsidiaries is terminated for any reason other than for Cause or death or Disability of a Participant, or in the case of a Participant that is an Employee, Retirement:

(a) All outstanding Options (including Non-Employee Director Options) held by the Participant as of the effective date of such termination will, to the extent exercisable as of such termination, remain exercisable for a period of three (3) months after such termination (but in no event after the expiration date of any such Option) and Options not exercisable as of such termination will be terminated and forfeited. If the Participant dies within the three (3) month period referred to in the preceding sentence, the Option or stock appreciation right may be exercised by those entitled to do so under the Participant’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution within a period of one (1) year following the Participant’s death (but in no event after the expiration date of any such Option or stock appreciation right).

(b) All outstanding unvested Restricted Stock Awards held by the Participant as of the effective date of such termination will be terminated and forfeited;

(c) All outstanding unvested Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards, and Other Stock-Based Awards held by the Participant as of the effective date of such termination will be terminated and forfeited; provided, however, that with respect to any such Awards the vesting of which is based on the achievement of Performance Goals, if a Participant’s employment or other service with the Company or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to the end of the Performance Period of such Award, but after the conclusion of a portion of the Performance Period (but in no event less than one year), the Committee may, in its sole discretion, cause Shares to be delivered or payment made (except to the extent that a Participant has properly elected to defer income that may be attributable to such Award under a Company deferred compensation plan or arrangement) with respect to the Participant’s Award, but only if otherwise earned for the entire Performance Period and only with respect to the portion of the applicable Performance Period completed at the date of such event, with proration based on the number of months or years that the Participant was employed or performed services during the Performance Period.

11.5 Modification of Rights upon Termination. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 11, upon a Participant’s termination of employment or other service with the Company or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, the Committee may, in its sole discretion (which may be exercised at any time on or after the Grant Date, including following such termination) cause Options (or any part thereof) held by such Participant as of the effective date of such termination to terminate, become or continue to become exercisable or remain exercisable following such termination of employment or service, and Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Non-Employee Director Awards, and Other Stock-Based Awards held by such Participant as of the effective date of such termination to terminate, vest or become free of restrictions and conditions to payment, as the case may be, following such termination of employment or service, in each case in the manner determined by the Committee; provided, however, that (a) no Option may remain exercisable beyond its expiration date; and (b) any such action by the Committee adversely affecting any outstanding Award will not be effective without the consent of the affected Participant (subject to the right of the Committee to take whatever action it deems appropriate under Section 4.4, 9.5, 13 or 17 of this Plan).

11.6 Additional Forfeiture Events.

(a) Effect of Actions Constituting Cause or Adverse Action. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary and in addition to the other rights of the Committee under this Plan, including this Section 11.5, if a Participant is determined by the Committee, acting in its sole discretion, to have taken any action that would constitute Cause or an Adverse Action during or within one (1) year after the termination of employment or other service with the Company or a Subsidiary, irrespective of whether such action or the Committee’s determination occurs before or after termination of such Participant’s employment or other service with the Company or any Subsidiary and irrespective of whether or not the Participant was terminated as a result of such Cause or Adverse Action, (i) all rights of the Participant under this Plan and any Award Agreements evidencing an Award then held by the Participant will terminate and be forfeited without notice of any kind, and (ii) the Committee in its sole discretion will have the authority to rescind the exercise, vesting or issuance of, or payment in respect of, any Awards of the Participant that were exercised, vested or issued, or as to which such payment was made, and to require the Participant to pay to the Company, within ten (10) days of receipt from the Company of notice of such rescission, any amount received or the amount of any gain realized as a result of such rescinded exercise, vesting, issuance or payment (including any dividends paid or other distributions made with respect to any shares of Common Stock subject to any Award). The Company may defer the exercise of any Option for a period of up to six (6) months after receipt of the Participant’s written notice of exercise or the issuance of share certificates upon the vesting of any Award for a period of up to six (6) months after the date of such vesting in order for the Committee to make any determination as to the existence of Cause or an Adverse Action. The Company will be entitled to withhold and deduct from future wages of the Participant (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to the Participant from the Company or a Subsidiary) or make other arrangements for the collection of all amounts necessary to satisfy such payment obligations. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an applicable Award Agreement, this Section 11.5(a) will not apply to any Participant following a Change in Control.

(b) Forfeiture or Clawback of Awards Under Applicable Law and Company Policy. If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, then any Participant who is one of the individuals subject to automatic forfeiture under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will reimburse the Company for the amount of any Award received by such individual under this Plan during the 12-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the case may be, of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement. The Company also may seek to recover any Award made as required by the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any other clawback, forfeiture or recoupment provision required by Applicable Law or under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which the shares of Common Stock are then listed or traded. In addition, all Awards under this Plan will be subject to forfeiture or other penalties pursuant to Company’s Clawback Policy, as in effect from time to time, and such forfeiture and/or penalty conditions or provisions as determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

12. Payment of Withholding Taxes.

12.1 General Rules. The Company is entitled to (a) withhold and deduct from future wages of the Participant (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to the Participant from the Company or a Subsidiary), or make other arrangements for the collection of, all amounts the Company reasonably determines are necessary to satisfy any and all federal, foreign, state and local withholding and employment related tax requirements attributable to an Award, including the grant, exercise, vesting or settlement of, or payment of dividends with respect to, an Award or a disqualifying disposition of stock received upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option, or (b) require the Participant promptly to remit the amount of such withholding to the Company before taking any action, including issuing any shares of Common Stock, with respect to an Award. When withholding shares of Common Stock for taxes is effected under this Plan, it will be withheld only up to an amount based on the maximum statutory tax rates in the Participant’s applicable tax jurisdiction or such other rate that will not trigger a negative accounting impact on the Company.

12.2 Special Rules. The Committee may, in its sole discretion and upon terms and conditions established by the Committee, permit or require a Participant to satisfy, in whole or in part, any withholding or employment related tax obligation described in Section 12.1 of this Plan by withholding shares of Common Stock underlying an Award, by electing to tender, or by attestation as to ownership of, Previously Acquired Shares, by delivery of a Broker Exercise Notice or a combination of such methods. For purposes of satisfying a Participant’s withholding or employment-related tax obligation, shares of Common Stock withheld by the Company or Previously Acquired Shares tendered or covered by an attestation will be valued at their Fair Market Value on the Tax Date.

13. Change in Control.

13.1 Definition of Change in Control. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or Individual Agreement between the Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, a “Change in Control” will mean the occurrence of any of the following:

(a) The acquisition, other than from the Company, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of fifty percent (50%) or more of either the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, but excluding, for this purpose, any such acquisition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or any entity with respect to which, following such acquisition, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then outstanding equity of such entity and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting equity of such entity entitled to vote generally in the election of all or substantially all of the members of such entity's governing body is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Common Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such acquisition, of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be; or

(b) The consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company, in each case, with respect to which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the respective beneficial owners of the Common Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of Common Stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation; or

(c) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

13.2 Effect of Change in Control. Subject to the terms of the applicable Award Agreement or an Individual Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee (as constituted prior to such Change in Control) may, in its discretion:

(a) require that shares of stock of the corporation resulting from such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding Award, with an appropriate and equitable adjustment to such Award as shall be determined by the Board in accordance with Section 4.4;

(b) provide that (i) some or all outstanding Options shall become exercisable in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (ii) the restrictions or vesting applicable to some or all outstanding Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units shall lapse in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (iii) the Performance Period applicable to some or all outstanding Awards shall lapse in full or in part, and/or (iv) the Performance Goals applicable to some or all outstanding Awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target or any other level; and/or

(c) require outstanding Awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered to the Company by the holder, and to be immediately cancelled by the Company, and to provide for the holder to receive (A) a cash payment in an amount determined pursuant to Section 13.3 below; (B) shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount determined under clause (A) above; or (C) a combination of the payment of cash pursuant to clause (A) above and the issuance of shares pursuant to clause (B) above.

13.3 Alternative Treatment of Incentive Awards. In connection with a Change in Control, the Committee in its sole discretion, either in an Award Agreement at the time of grant of an Award or at any time after the grant of such an Award, in lieu of providing a substitute award to a Participant pursuant to Section 13.2(a), may determine that any or all outstanding Awards granted under the Plan, whether or not exercisable or vested, as the case may be, will be canceled and terminated and that in connection with such cancellation and termination the holder of such Award will receive for each share of Common Stock subject to such Award a cash payment (or the delivery of shares of stock, other securities or a combination of cash, stock and securities with a fair market value (as determined by the Committee in good faith) equivalent to such cash payment) equal to the difference, if any, between the consideration received by stockholders of the Company in respect of a share of Common Stock in connection with such Change in Control and the purchase price per share, if any, under the Award, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such Award (or in which such Award is denominated); provided, however, that if such product is zero ($0) or less or to the extent that the Award is not then exercisable, the Award may be canceled and terminated without payment therefor. If any portion of the consideration pursuant to a Change in Control may be received by holders of shares of Common Stock on a contingent or delayed basis, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine the fair market value per share of such consideration as of the time of the Change in Control on the basis of the Committee’s good faith estimate of the present value of the probable future payment of such consideration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to an Award that immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Change in Control are subject to no further restrictions pursuant to the Plan or an Award Agreement (other than pursuant to the securities laws) will be deemed to be outstanding shares of Common Stock and receive the same consideration as other outstanding shares of Common Stock in connection with the Change in Control.

13.4 Limitation on Change in Control Payments. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13 to the contrary, if, with respect to a Participant, the acceleration of the vesting of an Award or the payment of cash in exchange for all or part of a Stock-Based Award (which acceleration or payment could be deemed a “payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), together with any other “payments” that such Participant has the right to receive from the Company or any corporation that is a member of an “affiliated group” (as defined in Section 1504(a) of the Code without regard to Section 1504(b) of the Code) of which the Company is a member, would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the “payments” to such Participant pursuant to Section 15.2 or Section 15.3 of this Plan will be reduced (or acceleration of vesting eliminated) to the largest amount as will result in no portion of such “payments” being subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code; provided, however, that such reduction will be made only if the aggregate amount of the payments after such reduction exceeds the difference between (a) the amount of such payments absent such reduction minus (b) the aggregate amount of the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code attributable to any such excess parachute payments; and provided, further that such payments will be reduced (or acceleration of vesting eliminated) by first eliminating vesting of Options with an exercise price above the then Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock that have a positive value for purposes of Section 280G of the Code, followed by reducing or eliminating payments or benefits pro rata among Awards that are deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, and, if a further reduction is necessary, by reducing or eliminating payments or benefits pro rata among Awards that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if a Participant is subject to a separate agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary that expressly addresses the potential application of Section 280G or 4999 of the Code, then this Section 15.4 will not apply and any “payments” to a Participant pursuant to Section 15 of this Plan will be treated as “payments” arising under such separate agreement; provided, however, such separate agreement may not modify the time or form of payment under any Award that constitutes deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code if the modification would cause such Award to become subject to the adverse tax consequences specified in Section 409A of the Code.

13.5 Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13 to the contrary, individual Award Agreements or Individual Agreements between a Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates may contain provisions with respect to vesting, payment or treatment of Awards upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, and the terms of any such Award Agreement or Individual Agreement will govern to the extent of any inconsistency with the terms of this Section 13. The Committee will not be obligated to treat all Awards subject to this Section 13 in the same manner. The timing of any payment under this Section 13 may be governed by any election to defer receipt of a payment made under a Company deferred compensation plan or arrangement.

14. Rights of Eligible Recipients and Participants; Transferability.

14.1 Employment. Nothing in this Plan or an Award Agreement will interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate the employment or service of any Eligible Recipient or Participant at any time, nor confer upon any Eligible Recipient or Participant any right to continue employment or other service with the Company or any Subsidiary.

14.2 No Rights to Awards. No Participant or Eligible Recipient will have any claim to be granted any Award under this Plan.

14.3 Rights as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, a Participant will have no rights as a stockholder with respect to shares of Common Stock covered by any Stock-Based Award unless and until the Participant becomes the holder of record of such shares of Common Stock and then subject to any restrictions or limitations as provided herein or in the Award Agreement.

14.4 Restrictions on Transfer.

Except pursuant to testamentary will or the laws of descent and distribution or as otherwise expressly permitted by subsections (a) and (b) below, no right or interest of any Participant in an Award prior to the exercise (in the case of Options) or vesting, issuance or settlement of such Award will be assignable or transferable, or subjected to any lien, during the lifetime of the Participant, either voluntarily or involuntarily, directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise.

(a) A Participant will be entitled to designate a beneficiary to receive an Award upon such Participant’s death, and in the event of such Participant’s death, payment of any amounts due under this Plan will be made to, and exercise of any Options (to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 11 of this Plan) may be made by, such beneficiary. If a deceased Participant has failed to designate a beneficiary, or if a beneficiary designated by the Participant fails to survive the Participant, payment of any amounts due under this Plan will be made to, and exercise of any Options (to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 11 of this Plan) may be made by, the Participant’s legal representatives, heirs and legatees. If a deceased Participant has designated a beneficiary and such beneficiary survives the Participant but dies before complete payment of all amounts due under this Plan or exercise of all exercisable Options, then such payments will be made to, and the exercise of such Options may be made by, the legal representatives, heirs and legatees of the beneficiary.

(b) Upon a Participant’s request, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit a transfer of all or a portion of a Non-Statutory Stock Option, other than for value, to such Participant’s child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, any person sharing such Participant’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which any of the foregoing have more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial interests, a foundation in which any of the foregoing (or the Participant) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Participant) own more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests. Any permitted transferee will remain subject to all the terms and conditions applicable to the Participant prior to the transfer. A permitted transfer may be conditioned upon such requirements as the Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine, including execution or delivery of appropriate acknowledgements, opinion of counsel, or other documents by the transferee.

The Committee may impose such restrictions on any shares of Common Stock acquired by a Participant under this Plan as it may deem advisable, including minimum holding period requirements, restrictions under applicable federal securities laws, under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which the Common Stock is then listed or traded, or under any blue sky or state securities laws applicable to such shares or the Company’s insider trading policy.

14.5 Non-Exclusivity of this Plan. Nothing contained in this Plan is intended to modify or rescind any previously approved compensation plans or programs of the Company or create any limitations on the power or authority of the Board to adopt such additional or other compensation arrangements as the Board may deem necessary or desirable.

15. Securities Law and Other Restrictions.

15.1 Restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or any Award Agreements entered into pursuant to this Plan, the Company will not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock under this Plan, and a Participant may not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan, unless (a) there is in effect with respect to such shares a registration statement under the Securities Act and any applicable securities laws of a state or foreign jurisdiction or an exemption from such registration under the Securities Act and applicable state or foreign securities laws, and (b) there has been obtained any other consent, approval or permit from any other U.S. or foreign regulatory body which the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable. The Company may condition such issuance, sale or transfer upon the receipt of any representations or agreements from the parties involved, and the placement of any legends on certificates representing shares of Common Stock, as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the Company in order to comply with such securities law or other restrictions.

15.2 Market Stand-Off Agreement. Except as otherwise approved by the Committee, the holder of any shares of Common Stock acquired in connection with the grant, exercise or vesting of an Incentive Award may not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale of, any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by such holder (other than those included in the registration) during the one hundred eighty (180) day period following the effective date of the initial registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company shall request in order to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 or NYSE Member Rule 472 or any successor or similar rule or regulation) and during the ninety (90) day period following the effective date of any subsequent registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company shall request in order to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 or NYSE Member Rule 472 or any successor or similar rule or regulation); provided, however, that such restrictions with respect to any subsequent registration shall terminate two (2) years after the effective date of the Company’s initial registration statement filed under the Securities Act. The foregoing provisions will not apply to the sale of any securities to an underwriter pursuant to an underwriting agreement and shall only be applicable to such holder if all then current executive officers and directors of the Company enter into similar agreements. The provisions hereof shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form S 1 or Form S 8 or Rule 145 transactions on Form S 4, or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future. The Company may impose stop transfer instructions with respect to the securities subject to the provisions hereof until the end of the applicable periods. The underwriters in connection with any public offering subject to the foregoing provisions are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Section 17.2 and will have the right to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. By accepting an Incentive Award under the Plan, each Participant agrees to enter into an appropriate lock-up agreement with any such underwriters containing provisions similar in all material respects with the terms of this Section 17.2.

16. Deferred Compensation; Compliance with Section 409A.

It is intended that all Awards issued under this Plan be in a form and administered in a manner that will comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, or the requirements of an exception to Section 409A of the Code, and the Award Agreements and this Plan will be construed and administered in a manner that is consistent with and gives effect to such intent. The Committee is authorized to adopt rules or regulations deemed necessary or appropriate to qualify for an exception from or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. With respect to an Award that constitutes a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section

409A: (a) if any amount is payable under such Award upon a termination of service, a termination of service will be treated as having occurred only at such time the Participant has experienced a Separation from Service; (b) if any amount is payable under such Award upon a Disability, a Disability will be treated as having occurred only at such time the Participant has experienced a “disability” as such term is defined for purposes of Code Section 409A; (c) if any amount is payable under such Award on account of the occurrence of a Change in Control, a Change in Control will be treated as having occurred only at such time a “change in the ownership or effective control of the corporation or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the corporation” as such terms are defined for purposes of Code Section 409A, (d) if any amount becomes payable under such Award on account of a Participant’s Separation from Service at such time as the Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, then no payment will be made, except as permitted under Code Section 409A, prior to the first business day after the earlier of (i) the date that is six months after the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service or (ii) the Participant’s death, and (e) no amendment to or payment under such Award will be made except and only to the extent permitted under Code Section 409A.

17. Amendment, Modification and Termination.

17.1 Generally. Subject to other subsections of this Section 17 and Section 3.4 of this Plan, the Board at any time may suspend or terminate this Plan (or any portion thereof) or terminate any outstanding Award Agreement and the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may amend this Plan or amend or modify the terms of an outstanding Award. The Committee’s power and authority to amend or modify the terms of an outstanding Award includes the authority to modify the number of shares of Common Stock or other terms and conditions of an Award, extend the term of an Award, accept the surrender of any outstanding Award or, to the extent not previously exercised or vested, authorize the grant of new Awards in substitution for surrendered Awards; provided, however that the amended or modified terms are permitted by this Plan as then in effect and that any Participant adversely affected by such amended or modified terms has consented to such amendment or modification.

17.2 Stockholder Approval-General. No amendments to this Plan will be effective without approval of the Company’s stockholders if: (a) stockholder approval of the amendment is then required pursuant to Section 422 of the Code, the rules of the primary stock exchange or stock market on which the Common Stock is then traded, applicable state corporate laws or regulations, applicable federal laws or regulations, and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under this Plan; or (b) such amendment would: (i) modify Section 3.4 of this Plan; (ii) materially increase benefits accruing to Participants; (iii) increase the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issued or issuable under this Plan; (iv) increase any limitation set forth in this Plan on the number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued or the aggregate value of Awards which may be made, in respect of any type of Award to any single Participant during any specified period; (v) modify the eligibility requirements for Participants in this Plan; or (vi) reduce the minimum exercise price or grant price as set forth in Sections 6.3 of this Plan.

17.3 Shareholder Approval-Awarding of Incentive Stock Options. The Plan was approved by the Board and became effective on January 10, 2022. Those provisions of the Plan that for federal tax purposes require approval of the stockholders of the Company (i.e., the granting of incentive stock options) shall not become effective until adopted by the stockholders, however, the Company reserves the right to grant Incentive Stock Options provided stockholder approval is secured within one (1) year from the date thereof. In the event Incentive Stock Options are granted and Stockholder approval is not timely secured, such Options shall remain in full force and effect, however, shall automatically convert to Non-Qualified Options.

17.4 Awards Previously Granted. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, no termination, suspension or amendment of this Plan may adversely affect any outstanding Award without the consent of the affected Participant; provided, however, that this sentence will not impair the right of the Committee to take whatever action it deems appropriate under Sections 4.4, 11, 13, 17 or 17.5 of this Plan.

17.5 Amendments to Conform to Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Committee may amend this Plan or an Award Agreement, to take effect retroactively or otherwise, as deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of conforming this Plan or an Award Agreement to any present or future law relating to plans of this or similar nature, and to the administrative regulations and rulings promulgated thereunder. By accepting an Award under this Plan, a Participant agrees to any amendment made pursuant to this Section 17 to any Award granted under this Plan without further consideration or action.

18. Substituted Awards.

The Committee may grant Awards under this Plan in substitution for stock and stock-based awards held by employees of another entity who become employees of the Company or a Subsidiary as a result of a merger or consolidation of the former employing entity with the Company or a Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of property or stock of the former employing corporation. The Committee may direct that the substitute Awards be granted on such terms and conditions as the Committee considers appropriate in the circumstances.

19. Effective Date and Duration of this Plan.

This Plan is effective as of the Effective Date. This Plan will terminate at midnight on the day before the ten (10) year anniversary of the Effective Date and may be terminated prior to such time by Board action. No Award will be granted after termination of this Plan but Awards outstanding upon termination of this Plan will remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.

20. Miscellaneous.

20.1 Usage. In this Plan, except where otherwise indicated by clear contrary intention, (a) any masculine term used herein also will include the feminine and non-binary, (b) the plural will include the singular, and the singular will include the plural, (c) “including” (and with correlative meaning “include”) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding such term, and (d) “or” is used in the inclusive sense of “and/or”.

20.2 Relationship to Other Benefits. Neither Awards made under this Plan nor shares of Common Stock or cash paid pursuant to such Awards under this Plan will be included as “compensation” for purposes of computing the benefits payable to any Participant under any pension, retirement (qualified or non-qualified), savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare, or benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary unless provided otherwise in such plan.

20.3 Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued or delivered under this Plan or any Award. The Committee will determine whether cash, other Awards or other property will be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock or whether such fractional shares of Common Stock or any rights thereto will be forfeited or otherwise eliminated by rounding up or down.

20.4 Governing Law. This Plan and all Awards and actions taken hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as to matters within the scope hereof, and as to all other matters shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of the State of California, notwithstanding the conflicts of laws principles of any jurisdictions.

20.5 Successors. All obligations of the Company under this Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder will be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.

20.6 Construction. Wherever possible, each provision of this Plan and any Award Agreement will be interpreted so that it is valid under the Applicable Law. If any provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement is to any extent invalid under the Applicable Law, that provision will still be effective to the extent it remains valid. The remainder of this Plan and the Award Agreement also will continue to be valid, and the entire Plan and Award Agreement will continue to be valid in other jurisdictions.

20.7 Delivery and Execution of Electronic Documents. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Company may: (a) deliver by email or other electronic means (including posting on a Web site maintained by the Company or by a third party under contract with the Company) all documents relating to this Plan or any Award hereunder (including prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including annual reports and proxy statements), and (b) permit Participants to use electronic, internet or other non-paper means to execute applicable Plan documents (including Award Agreements) and take other actions under this Plan in a manner prescribed by the Committee.

20.8 No Representations or Warranties Regarding Tax Effect. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Board, and the Committee neither represent nor warrant the tax treatment under any federal, state, local, or foreign laws and regulations thereunder (individually and collectively referred to as the “Tax Laws”) of any Award granted or any amounts paid to any Participant under this Plan including, but not limited to, when and to what extent such Awards or amounts may be subject to tax, penalties, and interest under the Tax Laws.

20.9 Unfunded Plan. Participants will have no right, title or interest whatsoever in or to any investments that the Company or its Subsidiaries may make to aid it in meeting its obligations under this Plan. Nothing contained in this Plan, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, will create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Participant, beneficiary, legal representative, or any other individual. To the extent that any individual acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Subsidiary under this Plan, such right will be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be. All payments to be made hereunder will be paid from the general funds of the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, and no special or separate fund will be established and no segregation of assets will be made to assure payment of such amounts except as expressly set forth in this Plan.

20.10 Indemnification. Subject to any limitations and requirements of Delaware law, each individual who is or will have been a member of the Board, or a Committee appointed by the Board, or an officer or Employee of the Company to whom authority was delegated in accordance with Section 3.3 of this Plan, will be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under this Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she will give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his/her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification will not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such individuals may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or pursuant to any agreement with the Company, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.