Form 8-K - Current report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 15, 2024

Athira Pharma, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

    Delaware

    001-39503

    45-3368487

    (State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

    (Commission
File Number)

    (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

   

18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104
Bothell, WA 98011

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(425) 620-8501

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):


☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share	ATHA	The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (The Nasdaq Global Select Market)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).


Emerging Growth Company	☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act). ☐

Item 2.05 Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.

On September 15, 2024, Athira Pharma, Inc. (the “Company”) committed to a workforce reduction that is expected to result in the termination of approximately 49 positions, representing approximately 70% of the Company’s workforce (the “Restructuring”). The Company took this step to decrease its costs, extend its cash runway, and create a more streamlined organization to support its strategic priorities, including the continued development of ATH-1105. In connection with the Restructuring, the Company currently estimates it will incur one-time costs of approximately $2.8 million, consisting primarily of cash severance costs and termination benefits, which the Company expects to recognize in the third quarter of 2024. The Company expects to substantially complete the Restructuring by December 31, 2024. The estimates of costs and expenses that the Company expects to incur in connection with the Restructuring are subject to a number of assumptions and actual results may differ materially. The Company may also incur additional costs not currently contemplated due to events that may occur as a result of, or that are associated with, the Restructuring. On September 17, 2024, the Company issued a press release regarding the Restructuring, a copy of which press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Departure of Executive Officers

In connection with the Restructuring, on September 16, 2024 the Company terminated without cause the employment of Andrew Gengos, chief business officer and chief financial officer, effective October 1, 2024, and Rachel Lenington, chief operating officer and chief development officer, effective October 1, 2024.

Appointment of Vice President of Finance as Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

On September 16, 2024, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) appointed Robert Renninger, age 40, vice president of finance, as the Company’s principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, effective as of October 1, 2024.

Mr. Renninger has served as the vice president of finance of the Company since January 2022. He previously served as its senior director of finance from September 2020 to January 2022, and as its director of finance from July 2020 to September 2020. Mr. Renninger served as financial controller of Infobip (formerly OpenMarket), a global communications platform, from July 2019 to July 2020. He also served as technical controller of Baker Hughes, an energy company, from September 2017 to May 2019. Mr. Renninger also served in various roles at Ernst & Young, LLP, a global accounting firm, from September 2007 through September 2017, including most recently as senior manager. Mr. Renninger has over 15 years of experience serving in various finance, accounting, and auditing positions for companies in the pharmaceutical, technology, and energy sectors.

There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Renninger and any other persons pursuant to which he was appointed as principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. There are also no family relationships between Mr. Renninger and any director or executive officer of the Company and he has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

The Company and Mr. Renninger previously entered into an offer letter, effective June 22, 2020, which is at-will and does not have a specific term. Pursuant to such offer letter and adjustments made to Mr. Renninger’s compensation subsequent to the date of his offer letter, Mr. Renninger is entitled to the following compensation and benefits:

•

An annual base salary of $312,000, with an annual discretionary target performance bonus in an amount up to 30% of Mr. Renninger’s annual base salary.

•

Equity compensation determined in accordance with the Company’s compensation program, at the discretion of the Board’s compensation committee.

•

Eligibility to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans, policies and arrangements.

Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Renninger’s change in control agreement with the Company, effective March 17, 2023, subject to Mr. Renninger’s execution and non-revocation of the Company’s standard separation agreement and release of claims, if Mr. Renninger’s employment is terminated inside the period beginning one month prior to the date of a change in control and ending 12 months following that change in control either (1) by the Company without “cause” (excluding by reason of death or disability) or (2) by Mr. Renninger for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in such agreement, such termination, a “Qualified Termination”), Mr. Renninger will receive vesting acceleration of 100% of any “service-based awards” (as defined in such agreement) that are unvested and outstanding on such termination date. In the event any such termination does not constitute a Qualified Termination, Mr. Renninger may be eligible to receive certain severance or other benefits as may be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans or programs.

In connection with his appointment, Mr. Renninger will enter into a standard indemnification agreement in the form previously approved by the Board.

The foregoing description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of Mr. Renninger’s offer letter and change in control agreement, which are filed as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are identified by such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate” and words of similar import and are based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. All statements other than historical or current facts are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements about the nature, timing and scope of potential workforce reductions, including the expected costs of potential workforce reductions and the anticipated period time over which such costs will be paid. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These statements, like all statements in this report, speak only as of their date. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.


Exhibit No.		Description
10.1		Employment Offer Letter between the Registrant and Robert Renninger.

10.2		Change in Control Agreement between the Registrant and Robert Renninger.

99.1		Athira Pharma, Inc. press release dated September 17, 2024.

104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


			Athira Pharma, Inc.

Date:	September 17, 2024	By:	/s/ Mark Litton
			Mark Litton
			President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.1

4000 MASON RD

SUITE 300, BOX 352141

SEATTLE, WA 98195-2141

June 21, 2020

Robert Renninger

415 West Crockett Street

Seattle, WA 98119

Dear Mr. Renninger,

We are pleased to offer you a position with Athira Pharma, Inc, (the “Company”) as Director of Accounting & Reporting. If you decide to join us, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to accelerate the development of life changing therapeutics.

Effective July 6, 2020, you will start in a fulltime position at an annual salary of $150,000 which will be paid monthly in accordance with our normal payroll procedures. You will eligible for PTO, group-term life insurance, and will qualify for health insurance under the company’s plan. Your eligibility for our 401K program will be effective immediately. Though we do not currently have a formal bonus program, and cannot guarantee a particular future bonus amount, the Company expects to adopt a bonus program in coming months and we expect you would be eligible to participate in such program in the future.

We will recommend to the Board of Directors that you be granted an option to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares subject to the option will be determined in accordance with the Company’s compensation plan, which is currently being revised. When awarded, the options will be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to options granted under the Company’s Employee Stock Option plan, as described in that plan and the applicable stock option agreement, which you will be required to sign. The exercise price per share will be equal to the fair market value per share on the date the option is granted, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in good faith compliance with applicable guidance in order to avoid having the option be treated as deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. There is no guarantee that the Internal Revenue Service will agree with this value. You should consult with your own tax advisor concerning the tax risks associated with accepting an option to purchase the Company’s common stock.

The Company is excited to have you join our team and anticipates a beneficial and productive relationship. Nevertheless, you should be aware that your employment with the Company is for no specified period and constitutes “at will” employment meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. Although your job duties, title, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. We request that, in the event of your resignation, you give the Company notice of at least two weeks.

The Company reserves the right to conduct background investigations and/or reference checks on all of its potential employees. Your job offer, therefore, is contingent upon a clearance of such a background investigation and/or reference check, if any.

For purposes of federal immigration law, you will be required to provide to the Company documentary evidence of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States. Such documentation must be provided to us within three (3) business days of your date of hire, or our employment relationship with you may be terminated.

We also ask that, if you have not already done so, you disclose to the Company any and all agreements relating to your prior employment that may affect your eligibility to be employed by the Company or limit the manner in which you may be employed. It is the Company’s understand that any such agreements will not prevent you from performing the duties of your position and you represent that such is the case. Moreover, you agree that, during the term of your employment with the Company, you will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity directly related to the business in which the Company is now involved or becomes involved during the term of your employment, nor will you engage in any other activities that conflict with your obligations to the Company. Similarly, you agree not to bring any third party confidential information to the Company, including that of your former employer, and that in performing your duties for the Company you will not in any way utilize any such information.

As a Company employee, you will be expected to abide by the Company’s rules and standards. Specifically, you will be required to sign an acknowledgment that you have read and understand the Company’s rules of conduct which are included in the Company Handbook which the Company will soon complete and distribute. As a condition of your employment you are also required to sign and comply with a Confidential Information Invention Assignment Agreement (the “Agreement”) that requires, among other provisions, the assignment of patent rights to any invention made during your employment at the Company, and nondisclosure of Company proprietary information. In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of our employment relationship, you and the Company agree that (i) any and all disputes between you and the Company shall be fully and finally resolved by binding arbitration, (ii) you are waiving any and all rights to a jury trial but all court remedies will be available in arbitration, (iii) al disputes shall be resolved by a neutral arbitrator who shall issue a written opinion and (iv) the arbitration shall provide for adequate discovery.

This letter supersedes and replaces any prior understandings or agreements, whether oral, written or implied, between you and the Company regarding the matters described in this letter.

To accept the Company’s offer, please sign and date this letter in the space provided below. If you accept our offer, your first day of employment will be July 7, 2020. This letter, along with any agreement relating to proprietary rights between you and the Company, set forth the terms of your employment with the Company and supersede any prior representations or agreements including, but not limited to, any representations made during your recruitment, interviews or pre-employment negotiations whether written or oral. This letter including, but not limited to, its at will employment provision, may not be modified or amended except by a written agreement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and you.

This offer of employment will terminate if it is not accepted, signed and returned by June 26, 2020.

We look forward to your acceptance of our offer and to working with you at Athira Pharma, Inc.

Sincerely,

/s/ Leen Kawas

Leen Kawas

President & Chief Executive Officer

Accepted:

/s/ Robert Renninger 6/22/2020

Robert Renninger Date

18706 NORTH CREEK PARKWAY

SUITE 104

BOTHELL, WA 98011

February 7, 2024

Dear Robert Renninger,

In recognition of your contributions and accomplishments this year, we are pleased to present you with the following:

Annual Discretionary Bonus:

2023 Bonus Payout: $84,938

Individual bonus %: 100%

Corporate bonus %: 92.5%

Salary Adjustment:

We are also pleased to present you with the following changes to your compensation which will be effective retroactively to January 1, 2024, and reflected in your February 15th payroll, including the retroactive plus up for the month of January.

Current Base Salary: $300,000

Merit Increase: 4%

New Base Salary: $312,000

2024 Equity Awards

Additionally, we are excited to inform you that Athira is awarding you the following equity as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board:

Option Grant

Stock Options: 74,154

Strike Price – closing price as of February 14, 2024: $3.26

Thank you so much for your commitment to restoring lives by thoughtfully and urgently advancing bold therapies for neuronal health. You are a vital part of the Athira team.

We are all looking forward to another productive and impactful year.

Sincerely,

Mark Litton

Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.2

ATHIRA PHARMA, INC.

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Change in Control Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made by and between Athira Pharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Robert Renninger (“Executive”), effective as of ________________, 2023 (the “Effective Date”).

This Agreement provides certain protections to Executive in connection with an involuntary termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in connection with a change in control of the Company. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 7 below.

The Company and Executive agree as follows:

Term of Agreement. This Agreement will continue indefinitely until terminated by written consent of the parties hereto, or if earlier, upon the date that all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied.

At-Will Employment. The Company and Executive acknowledge that Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. No payments, benefits, or provisions under this Agreement will confer upon Executive any right to continue Executive’s employment with the Company, nor will they interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or Executive to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by applicable laws.

Severance Benefits.

3.1.

Qualifying Termination During the Change in Control Period. In the event of a Qualifying Termination that occurs during the Change in Control Period, Executive will receive vesting acceleration of one hundred percent (100%) of any Service-based Awards that are outstanding and unvested as of the date of the Qualifying Termination.

For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of Executive’s Qualifying Termination that occurs prior to a Change in Control, any then outstanding and unvested portion of Executive’s Awards will remain outstanding (and unvested) until the earlier of (x) one (1) month following the Qualifying Termination, or (y) a Change in Control that occurs within one (1) month following the Qualifying Termination, solely so that any benefits due on a Qualifying Termination can be provided if the Qualifying Termination occurs during the Change in Control Period (provided that in no event will Executive’s stock option Awards or similar Awards remain outstanding beyond the Award’s maximum term to expiration). If no Change in Control occurs within one (1) month following a Qualifying Termination, any unvested portion of Executive’s Awards automatically and permanently will be forfeited on the date one (1) month following the date of the Qualifying Termination without having vested.

3.2.

Termination Other Than a Qualifying Termination. If the termination of Executive’s employment does not constitute a Qualifying Termination, then Executive will not be

entitled to receive any severance or other benefits in connection with such termination except for those, if any, as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans or programs.

3.3.

Non-duplication of Payment or Benefits. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is entitled to any vesting acceleration of any Awards by operation of applicable law or under a plan, policy, contract, or arrangement sponsored by or to which the Company is a party other than this Agreement (“Other Benefits”), then the corresponding benefits under this Agreement will be reduced by the amount of Other Benefits paid or provided to Executive.

3.4.

Death of Executive. In the event of Executive’s death before all payments or benefits Executive is entitled to receive under this Agreement have been provided, the unpaid amounts will be provided to Executive’s designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to Executive’s personal representative in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Accrued Compensation. On any termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

Conditions to Receipt of Vesting Acceleration.

5.1.

Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. Executive’s receipt of any benefits upon a Qualifying Termination under Section 3.1 is subject to Executive signing and not revoking the Company’s then standard separation agreement and release of claims with the Company (the “Release”), which must become effective and irrevocable no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of the Qualifying Termination (the “Release Deadline Date”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline Date, Executive will forfeit any right to severance benefits under Section 3.

5.2.

Payment Timing. Any Service-based Awards that are restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and/or similar full value awards (“Full Value Awards”) that accelerate vesting under Section 3.1 will be settled, subject to any delay required by Section 5.3 below (or the terms of the Full Value Award agreement or other Company plan, policy, or arrangement governing the settlement timing of the Full Value Award to the extent such terms specifically require any such delay in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A, as applicable), (a) on a date within ten (10) days following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, or (b) if later, in the event of a Qualifying Termination that occurs prior to a Change in Control, on a date on or before the date of completion of the Change in Control.

5.3.

Section 409A. The Company intends that all payments and benefits provided under this Agreement or otherwise are exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the payments or benefits will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities and ambiguous terms in this Agreement will be interpreted in accordance with this intent. No payments or benefits to be provided to Executive, if any, under this Agreement or otherwise, when considered together with any other severance

payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. To the extent required to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A, references to the termination of Executive’s employment or similar phrases used in this Agreement will mean Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

(a)

Any payments or benefits paid or provided under this Agreement that satisfy the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), or that qualify as payments made as a result of an involuntary separation from service under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) that is within the limit set forth thereunder, will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of this Section 5.3.

(b)

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then any payments or benefits under this Agreement that constitute Deferred Payments payable within the first six (6) months after Executive’s separation from service instead will be payable on the date six (6) months and one (1) day after Executive’s separation from service; provided that in the event of Executive’s death within such six (6) month period, any payments delayed by this subsection (b) will be paid to Executive in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death. To the extent that Executive is not a specified employee but Executive’s Qualifying Termination occurs at a time during the year whereby the Release Deadline Date will occur in the year immediately following the year in which the Qualifying Termination occurs, then any payments or benefits under this Agreement that constitute Deferred Payments that otherwise would be payable prior to the Release Deadline Date instead will be paid on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the Company following the Release Deadline Date.

(c)

The Company reserves the right to amend this Agreement as it considers necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Executive or any other individual, to comply with any provision required to avoid the imposition of the additional tax imposed under Section 409A or to otherwise avoid income recognition under Section 409A prior to the actual payment of any benefits or imposition of any additional tax. Each payment, installment, and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). In no event will Executive have any discretion to choose Executive’s taxable year in which any payments or benefits are provided under this Agreement. In no event will the Company or any parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company have any responsibility, liability or obligation to reimburse, indemnify or hold harmless Executive for any taxes, penalties or interest that may be imposed, or other costs that may be incurred, as a result of Section 409A.

Limitation on Payments.

6.1.

Reduction of Severance Benefits. If any payment or benefit that Executive would receive from the Company or any other party whether in connection with the provisions in this Agreement or otherwise (the “Payments”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax

imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then the Payments will be either delivered in full, or delivered as to such lesser extent that would result in no portion of the Payments being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of Payments, notwithstanding that all or some of the Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in Payments is made in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, the reduction will occur, with respect to the Payments considered parachute payments within the meaning of Code Section 280G, in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments in reverse chronological order (that is, the cash payment owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering the Excise Tax will be the first cash payment to be reduced); (ii) cancellation of equity awards that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code in the reverse order of date of grant of the equity awards (that is, the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); (iii) reduction of the accelerated vesting of equity awards in the reverse order of date of grant of the equity awards (that is, the vesting of the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); and (iv) reduction of employee benefits in reverse chronological order (that is, the benefit owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering the Excise Tax will be the first benefit to be reduced). In no event will Executive have any discretion with respect to the ordering of Payment reductions. Executive will be solely responsible for the payment of all personal tax liability that is incurred as a result of the payments and benefits received under this Agreement, and neither the Company nor any parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company have any responsibility, liability or obligation to reimburse, indemnify or hold harmless Executive for any of those payments of personal tax liability.

6.2.

Determination of Excise Tax Liability. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determinations required under this Section 6 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized accounting or valuation firm (the “Firm”) selected by the Company, whose determinations will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 6, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm reasonably may request in order to make determinations under this Section 6. The Company will bear the costs and make all payments required to be made to the Firm for the Firm’s services that are rendered in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 6. The Company will have no liability to Executive for the determinations of the Firm.

Definitions. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

7.1.

“Award” means stock options and other equity awards covering shares of Company common stock granted to Executive.

7.2.

“Board” means the Company’s Board of Directors.

7.3.

“Cause” means Executive’s: (a) indictment or conviction of any felony or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; (b) participation in any fraud against the

Company or other dishonesty which is not the result of an innocent or inadvertent mistake by Executive with respect to the Company; (c) willful violation of Executive’s obligations to the Company after there has been delivered to Executive a written demand for performance from the Board which describes the basis for the Board’s belief that Executive has not substantially satisfied Executive’s obligations to the Company; (d) continued violation or breach of any material written Company policy, agreement with the Company, or any statutory or fiduciary duty to the Company after there has been delivered to you a written notification of such violation or breach; or (e) damaging or misappropriating or attempting to damage or misappropriate any property, including intellectual property, of the Company.

7.4.

“Change in Control” means the first occurrence of any of the following events on or after the Effective Date:

(a)

Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection, the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event shall not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (a). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or

(b)

Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (b), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or

(c)

Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company

that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (c), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (i) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (A) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (B) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (C) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (D) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (c)(ii)(C). For purposes of this subsection (c), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A. Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

7.5.

“Change in Control Period” means the period beginning on the date one (1) month prior to a Change in Control and ending on (and inclusive of) the date that is the one (1) year anniversary of a Change in Control.

7.6.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.

7.7.

“Confidentiality Agreement” means Executive’s At-will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement entered into with the Company dated September 23, 2020.

7.8.

“Director” means a member of the Board.

7.9.

“Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3).

7.10.

“Good Reason” means Executive’s termination of Executive’s employment with the Company within thirty (30) days following the end of the Company’s Cure Period (as

defined below) as a result of the occurrence of any of the following without Executive’s written consent: (a) a material reduction in Executive’s duties or responsibilities that is inconsistent with Executive’s position, provided that a mere change of title alone shall not constitute such a material reduction; (b) the requirement that Executive change Executive’s principal office to a facility that increases Executive’s commute by more than forty (40) miles from Executive’s commute to the location at which Executive was employed prior to such change; or (c) a material reduction in Executive’s base salary or a material reduction in Executive’s employee benefits (e.g., medical, dental, insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance and 401(k) retirement plan benefits, collectively (the “Employee Benefits”) to which Executive is entitled immediately prior to such reduction (other than (x) in connection with a general decrease in the annual base salary or Employee Benefits of all similarly situated employees, and (y) following the Change in Control, to the extent necessary to make Executive’s annual base salary or Employee Benefits commensurate with those of other employees of the Company or its successor entity or parent entity who are similarly situated with Executive following such Change in Control); provided, however, that Executive must provide written notice to the Board of the condition that could constitute a “Good Reason” event within ninety (90) days following the initial existence of such condition and such condition must not have been remedied by the Company within thirty (30) days (the “Cure Period”) of such written notice. To the extent Executive’s primary work location is not the Company’s corporate offices due to a shelter‑in‑place order, quarantine order, or similar work‑from‑home requirement that applies to Executive, Executive’s primary office location, from which a change in location under the foregoing clause (b) will be measured, will be considered the Company’s office location where Executive’s employment with the Company primarily was based immediately prior to the commencement of such shelter-in-place order, quarantine order, or similar work-from-home requirement.

7.11.

“Qualifying Termination” means a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company either (a) by the Company without Cause and other than due to Executive’s death or Disability, or (b) by Executive for Good Reason.

7.12.

“Section 409A” means Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations and guidance thereunder, and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.

7.13.

“Service-based Awards” means Awards that, as of the later of the date of the Qualifying Termination or immediately prior to the Change in Control, are held by Executive and subject to continued service-based vesting criteria, but not subject to the achievement of any performance-based or other similar vesting criteria.

Successors. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors, and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death, and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation, or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger, or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of

descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance, or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

Notice.

9.1.

General. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement will be in writing and will be effectively given (a) upon actual delivery to the party to be notified, (b) upon transmission by email, (c) twenty-four (24) hours after confirmed facsimile transmission, (d) one (1) business day after deposit with a recognized overnight courier, or (e) three (3) business days after deposit with the U.S. Postal Service by first class certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed: (i) if to Executive, at the address Executive will have most recently furnished to the Company in writing, (ii) if to the Company, at the following address:

Athira Pharma, Inc.

18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104

Bothell, WA 98011

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

9.2.

Notice of Termination. Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause will be communicated by a notice of termination of Executive’s employment to Executive, and any termination by Executive for Good Reason will be communicated by a notice of termination to the Company, in each case given in accordance with Section 9.1. The notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than thirty (30) days after the later of (a) the giving of the notice or (b) the end of any applicable cure period).

10.

Resignation. The termination of Executive’s employment for any reason also will constitute, without any further required action by Executive, Executive’s voluntary resignation from all officer and/or director positions held at the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and at the Board’s request, Executive will execute any documents reasonably necessary to reflect the resignations.

11.

Miscellaneous Provisions.

11.1.

No Duty to Mitigate. Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor will any payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source except as specified in Sections 3.4, 5.3 and 6.

11.2.

Waiver; Amendment. No provision of this Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive) and by Executive. No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

11.3.

Headings. Headings are provided herein for convenience only, and will not serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

11.4.

Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Confidentiality Agreement and Executive’s employment letter with the Company dated September 23, 2020, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

11.5.

Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington but without regard to the conflict of law provision. To the extent that any lawsuit is permitted with respect to any provisions under this Agreement, Executive hereby expressly consents to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the State of Washington for any lawsuit filed against Executive by the Company.

11.6.

Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect the remaining parts of this Agreement, and this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had not been included.

11.7.

Withholding. The Company (and any parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company, as applicable) will have the right and authority to deduct from any payments or benefits all applicable federal, state, local, and/or non‑U.S. taxes or other required withholdings and payroll deductions (“Withholdings”). Prior to the payment of any amounts or provision of any benefits under this Agreement, the Company (and any parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company, as applicable) is permitted to deduct or withhold, or require Executive to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable Withholdings with respect to such payments and benefits. Neither the Company nor any parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company will have any responsibility, liability or obligation to pay Executive’s taxes arising from or relating to any payments or benefits under this Agreement.

11.8.

Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signature page follows]

By her, his, or its signature below, each of the parties signifies its acceptance of the terms of this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer.

COMPANY Athira pharma, inc.

By: /s/ Mark Litton
Mark Litton

Title: Chief Executive Officer___

Date: March 16, 2023

EXECUTIVE /s/ Robert Renninger

Robert Renninger

Date: March 17, 2023

Exhibit 99.1

Athira Pharma to Focus on Advancement of ATH-1105 for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

ATH-1105 is an orally delivered, positive modulator of the neurotrophic HGF system that is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial with completion expected by year end 2024 and commencement of dosing of ALS patients expected in 2025

Company announces cost containment measures in alignment with focus on advancing ATH-1105

BOTHELL, Wash., September 17, 2024 – Athira Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHA), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecules to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration, today announced that following the topline data readout from the Phase 2/3 LIFT-AD clinical trial of fosgonimeton to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) the Company plans to focus on advancing the clinical development program for ATH-1105 as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and AD. ATH-1105 is the Company’s oral, next-generation small molecule positive modulator of the neurotrophic hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) system currently in development for the treatment of ALS.

In alignment with Athira’s focus on continued development of ATH-1105, the Company is implementing cost containment measures including a reduction in workforce of approximately 70%. Athira expects one-time costs of approximately $2.8 million and cost savings of approximately $13.4 million on an annualized basis related to the reduction in the workforce. As a result of these cost containment measures and based on its current operating plan, Athira now expects to extend its cash runway into the first quarter of 2026. Moving forward, the Company will review and consider various options including partnering and financing with the intent of extending its cash runway to achieve initial proof-of-concept and enable further development for ATH-1105 in neurodegenerative diseases.

“We are encouraged about the potential for ATH-1105, as this oral, next-generation HGF-modulating drug candidate has enhanced blood-brain-barrier penetration and improved pharmacokinetic properties. Our robust preclinical data to date have demonstrated ATH-1105's neuroprotective effects including a consistent reduction in plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels,” said Mark Litton, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Athira.

“The NfL biomarker data from the LIFT-AD study suggests that HGF modulation may reduce levels of plasma NfL with the potential effect of preventing neurodegeneration. In ALS, plasma NfL is an established marker of disease progression and neurodegeneration and reduction in NfL is associated with improvement in clinical outcomes,” said Javier San Martin, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Athira. “We look forward to the continued development of this promising therapeutic candidate for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including ALS.”

Dr. Litton added, “I want to thank our colleagues who will be departing from Athira as part of the restructuring and acknowledge their many contributions to the development of therapeutics that modulate the neurotrophic HGF system, and to the evolution of our Company. We are sorry to see them go and wish them the very best in the future.”

The Company is conducting a first-in-human Phase 1 (NCT 06432647) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that is enrolling up to 80 healthy volunteers to evaluate single and multiple oral ascending doses of ATH-1105. The study is evaluating the safety and tolerability of ATH-1105 and includes measurements of pharmacokinetic outcomes. Athira completed the first cohort of healthy volunteers in June 2024 and expects to complete the full study by year-end 2024, with a goal to begin dosing ALS patients in 2025.

About ATH-1105
ATH-1105 is a next-generation, orally administered, small molecule drug candidate in development for the potential treatment of ALS. In preclinical models of ALS, ATH-1105 has been shown to significantly increase survival, enhance motor and nerve function, reduce peripheral nerve demyelination and axon degeneration, and improve neurodegeneration and inflammation.

About Athira Pharma, Inc.
Athira Pharma, Inc., headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecules to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration. Athira aims to alter the course of neurological diseases by advancing its pipeline of drug candidates that modulate the neurotrophic HGF system. For more information, visit www.athira.com. You can also follow Athira on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical fact and include statements regarding: Athira’s drug candidates as potential treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases; future development plans; the anticipated timing of its ongoing clinical trials and planned clinical trials; the potential learnings from preclinical studies and other nonclinical data and their ability to inform and improve future clinical development plans; expectations regarding the potential efficacy and commercial potential of Athira’s drug candidates and regarding the safety and tolerability of ATH-1105; Athira’s ability to advance its drug candidates into later stages of development; Athira’s planned focus on the development of ATH-1105 for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; implementation of the reduction in workforce and related costs and anticipated cost savings; estimates of Athira’s anticipated cash runway; potential future partnerships, financings and collaborations; the ability to advance product candidates into later stages of development; and other information that is not historical information. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “on track,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “pursue,” “continue,” “suggest,” “potential,” “target” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the data from preclinical and clinical trials may not support the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Athira’s drug candidates; development of drug candidates may

cease or be delayed; regulatory authorities could object to protocols, amendments and other submissions; future potential regulatory milestones for drug candidates, including those related to current and planned clinical studies, may be insufficient to support regulatory submissions or approval; Athira may not be able to recruit sufficient patients for its clinical trials; the outcome of legal proceedings that have been or may in the future be instituted against Athira, its directors and officers; possible negative interactions of Athira's drug candidates with other treatments; Athira’s assumptions regarding its financial condition and the sufficiency of its cash, cash equivalents and investments to fund its planned operations may be incorrect; adverse conditions in the general domestic and global economic markets; the impact of competition; the impact of new or changing laws and regulations; Athira’s assumptions regarding its financial condition may be incorrect; Athira may ultimately not pursue financing, may be unsuccessful if it does pursue financing or may be unable to finance on commercially reasonable terms; Athira may fail to successfully implement the reduction in workforce, may incur greater costs than estimated or may not recognize the anticipated resulting cost savings; Athira may be unable to enter into new partnerships, financings or collaborations; as well as the other risks detailed in Athira’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and Athira undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements. Athira may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements.  

Investor & Media Contact: 

Julie Rathbun 
Athira Pharma 
Julie.rathbun@athira.com 
206-769-9219 

Document and Entity Information	Sep. 15, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 15, 2024
Entity Registrant Name	Athira Pharma, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001620463
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Securities Act File Number	001-39503
Entity Tax Identification Number	45-3368487
Entity Address, Address Line One	18706 North Creek Parkway
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 104
Entity Address, City or Town	Bothell
Entity Address, State or Province	WA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	98011
City Area Code	425
Local Phone Number	620-8501
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share
Trading Symbol	ATHA
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Ex Transition Period	false