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Preliminary Proxy Statement ☐
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| Definitive Proxy Statement | ☐
| Definitive Additional Materials |
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| Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
HOOKIPA Pharma Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box) ☒
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TABLE OF CONTENTS HOOKIPA PHARMA INC.
350 Fifth Avenue, 72nd Floor, Suite 7240
New York, New York 10118 Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held on July 29, 2025 Dear Stockholder: You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of HOOKIPA Pharma Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company,” “HOOKIPA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), to be held on July 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Special Meeting will be held in a virtual-only meeting format at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HOOK2025SM. We believe hosting a virtual meeting enables participation by more of our stockholders, while lowering the cost of conducting the meeting. Stockholders attending the virtual meeting will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting. We encourage you to attend online and participate. We recommend that you log in a few minutes before 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on July 29, 2025 to ensure you are logged in when the Special Meeting starts. You will not be able to attend the Special Meeting in person. The Special Meeting will be held for the following purposes: 1.
To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the sale of certain assets of the Company (the “Asset Sale”) pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 21, 2025 (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Asset Purchase Agreement”), by and among HOOKIPA, Hookipa Biotech GmbH and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (the “Asset Sale Proposal”). 2.
To approve the liquidation and dissolution of the Company (the “Dissolution”) and the Plan of Dissolution (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Plan of Dissolution”), which, if approved, will authorize the Company to dissolve and liquidate as described in the Plan of Dissolution (the “Dissolution Proposal”). | 3.
| To approve one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting from time to time, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are insufficient shares present virtually or represented by proxy voting in favor of the Asset Sale Proposal or the Dissolution Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”). |
These items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this notice. The record date for the Special Meeting is June 17, 2025. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date are entitled to notice of and may vote at the Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The Board is seeking stockholder approval of the Asset Sale because we are a Delaware corporation and the Asset Sale may constitute the sale of “substantially all” of our property and assets under Section 271 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). Section 271 of the DGCL requires that a Delaware corporation obtain the approval of the holders of a majority of the corporation’s outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon for the sale of “all or substantially all of its property and assets.” Additionally, approval of the Asset Sale by holders of a majority in voting power of our outstanding stock is a closing condition under the Asset Purchase Agreement. The proposals to approve the Asset Sale pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement and to approve the subsequent Dissolution require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Therefore, it is very important that your shares be represented and voted at the Special Meeting. The approval of the Asset Sale Proposal is not conditioned upon stockholders approving the Dissolution Proposal, but the approval of the Dissolution Proposal is conditioned on stockholders approving the Asset Sale Proposal. The effectiveness of the Dissolution is conditioned upon the consummation of the Asset Sale. The Adjournment Proposal is not conditioned upon the approval of any other proposal set forth in the proxy statement. Stockholders do not have dissenters’ rights of appraisal in connection with the Asset Sale or the Dissolution. If the stockholders approve the Asset Sale and the Dissolution, the Company intends to file a Certificate of Dissolution (the “Certificate of Dissolution”) with the Delaware Secretary of State as soon as practicable following
TABLE OF CONTENTS the closing of the Asset Sale and the completion of the transfer plan under the Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Transfer Plan”). Upon the Company’s filing of a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State, the winding up and liquidation of the Company pursuant to the Plan of Dissolution will commence. On the date the Company files a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State, the Company will close its stock transfer books, after which it will not be possible for stockholders to trade our stock, which is referred to herein as the “Final Record Date”. After filing the Certificate of Dissolution, the Company plans to make distributions to the stockholders, subject to a contingency reserve for remaining costs and liabilities including those stemming from the Asset Purchase Agreement, of available proceeds, including from the Asset Sale, if any. The amount and timing of any distributions to stockholders will be determined by the Board in its discretion, as described in the Plan of Dissolution. However, there can be no assurance as to the timing and amount of distributions to our stockholders, if any, because there are many factors, some of which are outside of our control, that could affect our ability to make such distributions. The enclosed proxy statement provides you with detailed information about the Special Meeting and the proposed transactions. In particular, please review the matters referred to under “Risk Factors” starting on page 25 for a discussion of the risks related to the Asset Sale and the Dissolution. We encourage you to read the proxy statement and all annexes thereto carefully and in their entirety. You may also obtain additional information about us from documents we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available without charge through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Your vote is extremely important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we ask that you promptly sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided, or submit your proxy by telephone or over the internet (if those options are available to you) in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed proxy card. If your shares of common stock are held in “street name” by your broker, bank or other nominee, you should instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares of common stock using the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee. The Company’s Board has unanimously approved the Asset Sale pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement and the Dissolution and the Plan of Dissolution, in each case as being in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Asset Sale Proposal, “FOR” the Dissolution Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal. | | | | | | | By Order of the Board of Directors, | | | | | | | | /s/ Malte Peters | | | | Malte Peters | | | | Chief Executive Officer and Director | | | | | New York, New York
July 3, 2025 Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the Asset Sale or the Dissolution, passed upon the merits of the Asset Sale or the Dissolution or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the information contained in this proxy statement and any documents incorporated by reference. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The accompanying proxy statement is dated July 3, 2025, and, together with the enclosed form of proxy card, is first being mailed to our stockholders on or about such date.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JULY 29, 2025 IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE PROXY MATERIALS
FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JULY 29, 2025 We intend to mail these proxy materials on or about July 3, 2025 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. These proxy materials are available on the investor relations page of our website at www.hookipapharma.com. The information contained on, or accessible through, the websites referenced in this proxy statement is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement. A complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will be available for examination during regular business hours for the ten (10) days prior to the Special Meeting by request. You may email us at IR@hookipapharma.com to coordinate arrangements to view the stockholder list. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE: (1) BY TELEPHONE; (2) THROUGH THE INTERNET; OR (3) BY SIGNING AND DATING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. You may revoke your proxy or change your vote at any time before it is voted at the Special Meeting. If you hold your shares of common stock in “street name,” you should instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote your shares of common stock in accordance with the voting instruction form that you will receive from your bank, broker or other nominee. Your broker or other agent cannot vote on any of the proposals, including the Asset Sale Proposal and the Dissolution Proposal, without your instructions. If you are a stockholder of record, voting virtually at the Special Meeting will revoke any proxy that you previously submitted. If you hold your shares of common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must obtain a “legal proxy” in order to vote virtually at the Special Meeting. If you fail to (1) sign and return your proxy card, (2) grant your proxy electronically over the Internet or by telephone or (3) vote virtually at the Special Meeting, your shares of common stock will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Special Meeting and will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Asset Sale Proposal and the Dissolution Proposal. You should carefully read and consider this entire proxy statement and the annexes to this proxy statement, along with all of the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement, as they contain important information about, among other things, the Asset Sale and the Dissolution and how both affect you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS | | | | | | | SUMMARY OF TERMS | | | 1 | QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING, THE ASSET SALE AND THE DISSOLUTION | | | 12 | CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION | | | 24 | RISK FACTORS | | | 25 | THE ASSET SALE (PROPOSAL NO. 1) | | | 30 | | | | The Parties to the Asset Sale | | | 30 | | | | Reasons for the Asset Sale | | | 41 | | | | Recommendation of the Board | | | 43 | | | | Net Proceeds from the Asset Sale and Their Expected Use | | | 43 | | | | Stockholder Approval Requirement | | | 44 | | | | Interests of Our Directors and Executive Officers in the Asset Sale | | | 44 | | | | Appraisal Rights in Respect of the Asset Sale | | | 45 | | | | Regulatory Matters | | | 45 | | | | Accounting Treatment of the Asset Sale | | | 46 | THE ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT | | | 47 | THE DISSOLUTION (PROPOSAL NO. 2) | | | 58 | ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING (PROPOSAL NO. 3) | | | 63 | MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISSOLUTION TO HOOKIPA STOCKHOLDERS | | | 64 | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT | | | 68 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | | | 70 | | | | Description of Business | | | 70 | | | | Householding of Proxy Materials | | | 70 | | | | Market Price and Dividend Data | | | 70 | | | | Stockholder Proposals and Nominations | | | 71 | MISCELLANEOUS | | | 72 | WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE | | | 73 | ANNEX A | | | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 21, 2025, by and among HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. and Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | A-1 | ANNEX B | | | Plan of Dissolution | | | B-1 | | | | | | | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS HOOKIPA PHARMA INC.
350 Fifth Avenue, 72nd Floor, Suite 7240
New York, New York 10118 PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
SUMMARY OF TERMS The following is a summary of selected information contained in this proxy statement relating to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Asset Sale, the Plan of Dissolution, and the Dissolution (each as defined below) and does not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete description of the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement and the Plan of Dissolution, please refer to the sections titled “Proposal 1: Approval of the Asset Sale Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement — Summary of the Asset Purchase Agreement” and “Proposal 2: Approval of the Dissolution and the Plan of Dissolution — Summary of the Plan of Dissolution and Dissolution Process,” respectively, beginning on pages 30 and 58 of this proxy statement, respectively, and the Asset Purchase Agreement itself, a copy of which is included as Annex A to this proxy statement, and the Plan of Dissolution itself, a copy of which is included as Annex B to this proxy statement. We urge you to carefully read this proxy statement, the annexes to this proxy statement and the documents referred to or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement in their entirety before you decide whether to vote to approve the Asset Sale and the Dissolution. As used in this proxy statement, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” and “HOOKIPA” refer to HOOKIPA Pharma Inc., a Delaware corporation. General In connection with its ongoing consideration and evaluation of the Company’s long-term prospects and strategies, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that it is advisable and fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to (a) approve the sale (the “Asset Sale”) by the Company and Hookipa Biotech GmbH, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary and an Austrian limited liability corporation (“Hookipa Biotech” and, together with the Company, the “Sellers” and each a “Seller”), to Gilead Sciences, Inc. (“Gilead”) of all assets primarily related to, or necessary for the conduct of, our Hepatitis B (“HBV”) program (the “HB-400 Program”), and certain assets related to our Human Immunodeficiency Virus (“HIV”) program (the “HB-500 Program” and, together with the HB-400 Program, the “Programs”), including all know-how and patent rights that are necessary or reasonably useful for researching, developing, manufacturing or commercializing HBV an HIV products (collectively, the “Assets”), pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2025, among the Sellers and Gilead (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) and (b) to approve the dissolution and liquidation of the Company (the “Dissolution”) and the Plan of Dissolution (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Plan of Dissolution”), which, if approved, will authorize the Company to dissolve and liquidate as described in the Plan of Dissolution, but subject to the Company’s ability to abandon or delay the Dissolution in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Dissolution. Following the consummation of the Asset Sale, assuming stockholder approval of the Dissolution, the Company intends to follow the dissolution and winding-up procedures prescribed by the DGCL pursuant to the Plan of Dissolution, which requires, among other things, that the Company file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Secretary of State of the state of Delaware (the “Delaware Secretary of State”). However, the decision of whether or not to proceed with the Dissolution and when to file the Certificate of Dissolution will be made by the Board in its sole discretion. In furtherance of the Asset Sale and the Dissolution, and consistent with requirements under Delaware law, the Board is presenting the Asset Sale Proposal (as defined below) and the Dissolution Proposal (as defined below) for approval by our stockholders.
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Special Meeting (page 12) Date, Time, Place and Purpose (page 12) The Special Meeting will be held in a virtual-only format at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HOOK2025SM at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on July 29, 2025. The purpose of the Special Meeting is for our stockholders to consider and vote upon the following proposals: 1.
To approve the Asset Sale pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement. This proposal is referred to as the “Asset Sale Proposal.” 2.
To approve the Dissolution and the Plan of Dissolution, which, if approved, will authorize the Company to dissolve and liquidate as described in the Plan of Dissolution. This proposal is referred to as the “Dissolution Proposal.” 3.
| To approve one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting from time to time, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are insufficient shares present in person or by proxy voting to approve the Asset Sale Proposal or the Dissolution Proposal. This proposal is referred to as the “Adjournment Proposal.” |
The Board is seeking stockholder approval of the Asset Sale because we are a Delaware corporation and the Asset Sale may constitute the sale of “substantially all” of our property and assets under Section 271 of the DGCL. Section 271 of the DGCL requires that a Delaware corporation obtain the approval of the holders of a majority of the corporation’s outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon for the sale of “all or substantially all of its property and assets.” Additionally, approval of the Asset Sale by holders of a majority in voting power of our outstanding stock is a closing condition under the Asset Purchase Agreement. The approval of the Asset Sale Proposal is not conditioned upon stockholders approving the Dissolution Proposal, but the approval of the Dissolution Proposal is conditioned on stockholders approving the Asset Sale Proposal. The effectiveness of the Dissolution is conditioned upon the consummation of the Asset Sale. The Adjournment Proposal is not conditioned upon the approval of any other proposal set forth in the proxy statement. Stockholders do not have dissenters’ rights of appraisal in connection with the Asset Sale or the Dissolution. Record Date, Quorum, Voting (pages 18 and 18) Only holders of our common stock at the close of business on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the record date for the Special Meeting (the “Record Date”), are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 9,799,053 shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Our Class A common stock, Series A convertible preferred stock, Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and Series A-2 convertible preferred stock (collectively, our “Non-Voting Capital Stock”) do not have any voting rights with respect to the proposals to be voted on at the Special Meeting. A quorum must be present or represented at the Special Meeting for our stockholders to conduct business at the Special Meeting. A quorum will be present or represented at the Special Meeting only if the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, or 4,899,527 shares, are present at the Special Meeting, either in person or represented by proxy. Each share of our common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters properly coming before the Special Meeting. The affirmative “FOR” vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required to approve each of (i) the Asset Sale pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement and (ii) the Dissolution and the Plan of Dissolution. Revocation of Proxies (page 20) Proxies received at any time before the Special Meeting and not revoked before being voted will be voted at the Special Meeting. If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Special Meeting by: • | submitting a new, proper proxy dated later than the date of the revoked proxy; |
• | transmitting a subsequent vote over the Internet or by telephone prior to the close of the Internet voting facility or the telephone voting facility; |
TABLE OF CONTENTS •sending a written notice of revocation to HOOKIPA Pharma Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, at 350 Fifth Avenue, 72nd Floor, Suite 7240, New York, New York 10118; or •by attending the Special Meeting and voting online during the meeting. If you hold shares in street name, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker or other nominee. The Parties to the Asset Sale (page 30) About HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. and Hookipa Biotech GmbH We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of immunotherapeutics based on our proprietary arenavirus platform that is designed to target and amplify T cell and immune responses to fight diseases. Until recently, we were building a proprietary immuno-oncology pipeline utilizing our replicating technology. Additionally, we are developing infectious disease therapies in partnership with other companies. Our Programs are being developed in partnership with Gilead. Both Programs are in Phase 1 clinical development. We were originally incorporated as Hookipa Biotech AG under the laws of Austria in 2011. In February 2017, we reorganized to become a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware as Hookipa Biotech, Inc., which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hookipa Biotech AG. In June 2018, Hookipa Biotech, Inc. changed its name to HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. and acquired all of the shares of Hookipa Biotech AG, now Hookipa Biotech GmbH. Our principal executive offices are located at 350 Fifth Avenue, 72nd Floor, New York, New York 10118 and our telephone number is +43 1 890 63 60. All of our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), are accessible from our corporate website at https://ir.hookipapharma.com. Information contained on the website is not a part of this proxy statement. About Gilead Sciences, Inc. Gilead is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer and inflammation. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. Collaboration Agreement On June 4, 2018, Hookipa Biotech entered into the Collaboration and License Agreement with Gilead (the “Original Collaboration Agreement”) to evaluate potential vaccine products using or incorporating our replicating technology and non-replicating technology for the treatment, cure, diagnosis or prevention of HIV and HBV. Under the Original Collaboration Agreement, we granted Gilead an exclusive, royalty-bearing license to our technology platform for researching, developing, manufacturing and commercializing products for HIV and HBV. In February 2022, we amended and restated the Original Collaboration Agreement in the form of an amended and restated collaboration agreement, by and between Gilead and Hookipa Biotech (the “Restated Collaboration Agreement” and, together with the Original Collaboration Agreement, the “Collaboration Agreement”) which revised the terms only for the HIV program, whereby we assumed development responsibilities for the HIV program candidate through a Phase 1b clinical trial for which Gilead made a $10.0 million payment. Pursuant to the Collaboration Agreement, Gilead retains an exclusive right to take back development responsibilities for the HB-500 Program, thus keeping the rights for the HIV program, including further development and commercialization. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Collaboration Agreement will terminate and be of no further force and effect (other than with respect to certain agreed provisions that will survive termination) upon the closing of the Asset Sale. HB-400 for the Treatment of HBV HB-400 Preclinical Data Package for Hepatitis B Virus Cure Program In collaboration with Gilead, a HBV-specific immunotherapy consisting of 2 non-replicating arenavirus vectors derived from PICV (HB-402 or GS-2829) and 2 non-replicating arenavirus vectors derived from LCMV (HB-401 or GS-6779) was developed. The immunotherapy is intended to utilize the patient’s own immune system to induce a strong cellular and antibody response against HBV.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Arenavirus vectors were constructed to encode three different HBV antigens: HBV Core, Pol (an inactivated version of the HBV polymerase) and HBV surface antigen (“HBsAg”). Alternating immunizations with GS-2829 and GS-6779 induced high magnitude HBV T cell responses, with PICV vectors driving high anti-HBs antibody titers. Dose schedule optimization in macaques achieved strong polyfunctional CD8+ T cell responses with balanced specificity for core, HBsAg, and polymerase and high titer anti-HBs antibodies. In an HBV efficacy model (AAV-HBV mice), GS-2829 and GS-6779 were efficacious in animals with low pre-treatment serum HBsAg. Based on these results, GS-2829 and GS-6779 could become central components of cure regimens. HB-400 Clinical Development The results of the preclinical studies, and the association of strong CD8+ T cell responses and anti-HBsAg antibodies with immune clearance and long-term control of chronic hepatitis B virus (“CHBV”) (Boni 2012, Hoogeveen 2022, Yip 2018), provide a strong rationale for clinical development of HB-400. A Phase 1a/1b study (GS-US-642-5670 / NCT05770895) was designed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of HB-402 and HB-401 in healthy volunteers and participants with CHB. This study is led by Gilead and enrolled 83 participants with last patient, last visit occurring in Q1 2025. HB-500 for the Treatment of HIV HB-500 Preclinical Data Package for HIV Cure Program In collaboration with Gilead, a preclinical study in a NHP model of HIV infection was conducted. The model uses Simian immunodeficiency virus (“SIV”) as a surrogate virus for HIV. The study showed that immunization of naïve rhesus macaques with arenavirus-derived vaccine vectors encoding Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVSME543 Gag, Env, and Pol) immunogens was safe, immunogenic, and efficacious. Immunization induced robust SIV-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses with expanded cellular breadth, polyfunctionality, and Env-binding antibodies with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Vaccinated animals had significant reductions in median SIV viral load (1.45-log10 copies/mL) after SIVMAC251 challenge compared with placebo. Peak viral control correlated with the breadth of Gag-specific T cells and tier 1 neutralizing antibodies. These results support clinical investigation of arenavirus-based vectors as a central component of therapeutic vaccination for HIV cure. HB-500 Clinical Development In 2024 a Phase 1b clinical trial (NCT06430905) evaluating the safety and tolerability, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity to repeated doses of HB-500 in participants with HIV on suppressive antiretroviral treatment was started. The Phase 1b design comprises two dose escalation cohorts that will be randomized to receive HB-500 or placebo. The first participant was dosed on July 1, 2024, full enrollment of 30 participants was completed in January 2025. Under the Collaboration Agreement, we received a $5.0 million milestone payment associated with dosing of the first subject in this trial in July 2024. In connection with the execution of the Asset Purchase Agreement, we agreed with Gilead to wind down this clinical trial, beginning on the date of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Stock Purchase Agreement In February 2022, we entered into a stock purchase agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with Gilead that requires Gilead, at our option, to purchase up to $35.0 million of our common stock. On February 15, 2022, Gilead purchased an initial amount of 166,666 shares of our common stock in exchange for $5.0 million in cash at a purchase price per share equal to $30.00. On December 20, 2023, the parties amended and restated the Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Amended Stock Purchase Agreement”) and Gilead purchased 1,500,000 shares of our common stock in exchange for approximately $21.3 million in cash at a purchase price per share equal to $14.167. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Stock Purchase Agreement, we may require Gilead to purchase the balance of the $8.75 million of common stock as participation in potential future equity raises. Our right to sell shares of our common stock to Gilead is subject to specified limitations, including a limitation that prevents us from requesting purchases of shares of common stock by Gilead that would result in a beneficial ownership of more than 19.9% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock by Gilead. Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, we and Gilead agreed to enter into a registration rights agreement, which we entered into in June 2022, obligating us to file a registration statement on Form S-3 to register for resale any additional purchases of common stock within four months of any additional purchases of common stock by Gilead. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Amended Stock Purchase Agreement will terminate in accordance with its terms upon the closing of the Asset Sale.
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Asset Sale (page 30) General On May 21, 2025, we entered into the Asset Purchase Agreement, by and among the Company, Hookipa Biotech and Gilead, pursuant to which we and Hookipa Biotech agreed to sell to Gilead the Assets, subject to stockholder approval and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to closing described therein. A copy of the Asset Purchase Agreement is attached as Annex A. We encourage you to read the Asset Purchase Agreement carefully and in its entirety. Reasons for the Asset Sale (page 41) The Asset Sale is the result of a broad review of strategic alternatives by the Board. At a meeting of the Board held on May 20, 2025, the Board discussed and resolved to adopt and approve the Asset Purchase Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and to recommend to our stockholders that they vote for the approval of the Asset Sale. In the course of reaching its determinations, the Board consulted with our management and our financial and legal advisors and considered a number of substantive factors, both positive and negative, as well as the potential benefits and detriments of the Asset Sale. The Board believed that, taken as a whole, the following factors supported its decision to approve the Asset Sale and outweighed any potential risks: •Continuing a Growth Strategy. The Board considered, among other things, our limited cash resources for new investment, that we currently have no product candidates that generate revenue, no marketing and sales organization and no experience in marketing products, the historic level of competition for our business in a marketplace dominated by companies with greater resources than our own and the high cost of being a U.S. public company, in whether to continue a growth strategy versus a sales process for the Company, in whole or in part. The Board determined that if it could secure a high enough price for the Company or its assets, in whole or in part, through a sales process, a sale of the Company could result in a better return for stockholders. •Strategic Review Process. The Board undertook a robust strategic review process beginning in March 2024, through which we explored strategic alternatives for the Company as a whole or in part, including evaluating, and ultimately not pursuing, a potential transaction with Poolbeg Pharma plc (“Poolbeg”) from November 2024 to February 2025. • | Consideration. The Board considered the value and the consideration to be received by us pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, including that at a purchase price of up to $10.0 million, before deducting transaction and other related expenses, the Asset Sale represented a greater return for the Company and its stockholders than continuing to operate HOOKIPA under our existing corporate structure. |
• | Likelihood of Consummation of the Asset Sale. The Board considered the likelihood that the Asset Sale will be completed, including the nature of the conditions to Gilead’s obligation to consummate the transaction and the likelihood that those conditions would be satisfied. |
• | Ability to Return Net Proceeds from the Asset Sale to Stockholders. The Board considered the likelihood that the Asset Sale would result in positive net proceeds to us, which, subject to our satisfaction of and compliance with existing obligations, and appropriate reserves for anticipated costs and contingent liabilities, would allow us to return a substantial portion of the net proceeds from the Asset Sale to our stockholders. |
• | Lack of Liquidity in the Stock. The Board determined that the Asset Sale could provide stockholders with an opportunity to potentially monetize their investment in the Company, given the fact that the Company’s common stock trading volumes have historically been low due to lack of product candidates to generate revenue, a negative stock price trend and a low market capitalization. |
Recommendation of HOOKIPA’s Board (see page 43) The Board has determined that the Asset Sale Proposal and Dissolution Proposal are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and recommends that you vote “FOR” the Asset Sale and the Dissolution.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Net Proceeds from the Asset Sale (page 43) The Company expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $7.6 million from the Asset Sale, after payment of transaction and other related expenses, applicable taxes (if any) and sublicense expenses, assuming the entire $10.0 million purchase price is paid upon successful completion of the Transfer Plan. Completion of the steps of the Transfer Plan requires us to transfer to Gilead certain know-how, records, documents and other information and materials, assign to Gilead certain transferred contracts and patent file histories, and perform certain transfer services relating to the Programs. If Gilead disputes the completion of a phase of the Transfer Plan, we will not receive the cash consideration for such phase until we and Gilead agree that such phase has been completed or the dispute is resolved in our favor. Assuming the Dissolution is approved by stockholders, we plan to make distributions to our stockholders, subject to a contingency reserve for remaining costs and liabilities including those stemming from the Asset Purchase Agreement, of available proceeds, including from the Asset Sale, if any, after the filing of a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State. The amount and timing of any distributions to stockholders will be determined by the Board in its discretion. On the bases described in this proxy statement, the Board anticipates that any distribution to stockholders will not occur any earlier than the date that is three years after the filing of the Certificate of Dissolution and may be approximately $1.28 to $1.72 per share of common stock and Class A common stock (based on 9,799,053 shares of common stock and 2,399,517 shares of Class A common stock outstanding on the record date), after taking into account currently known and estimated expenses and liabilities, and assuming the entire $10.0 million purchase price in the Asset Sale is paid to the Sellers and no indemnification claims are made under the Asset Purchase Agreement. However, there can be no assurance as to the timing and amount of distributions, if any, to our stockholders because there are many factors, some of which are outside of our control, that could affect our ability to make such distributions. In the event that stockholders do not approve the Dissolution, we will still seek to complete the Asset Sale if the Asset Sale is approved by the stockholders and the other conditions to closing set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement are satisfied or waived. If the Asset Sale is completed, we will have no product candidates that generate revenue, no marketing and sales organization, no experience in marketing products, and no Dissolution approved; as such, the Company anticipates that it would use its cash to pay ongoing operating expenses, and the Board would convene to determine whether to pay any dividends to the stockholders. The Board would have to evaluate the alternatives available to the Company, including, among other things, remaining a publicly traded company or undertaking a “going private” transaction. In the event that we make a distribution outside of the Plan of Dissolution, our stockholders could incur an increased stockholder-level tax liability if the property (including cash from the Asset Sale) distributed to stockholders is characterized as a dividend for tax purposes (see the section entitled “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Dissolution to Hookipa Stockholders”). Interests of Our Directors and Executive Officers in the Asset Sale (page 44) In considering the recommendation of the Board with respect to the Asset Sale, our stockholders should be aware that certain of the Company’s executive officers and directors have interests in the Asset Sale that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of our stockholders generally. These interests include the fact that the vesting of 178,570 restricted stock units and 13,264 options issued and unvested held by certain of our officers and directors as of June 30, 2025 will be accelerated pursuant to the terms of our Equity Plans upon the closing of the Asset Sale. However, 89,284 of these unvested restricted stock units and 2,450 of these unvested options will vest as of July 22, 2025 in accordance with their existing terms, and our Board approved the accelerated vesting of the remaining unvested restricted stock units and options effective upon the filing of an application on Form 25 to notify the SEC of the withdrawal of our common stock from listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, which we anticipate filing as soon as practicable following the Special Meeting. Our directors and executive officers will also retain the right to continued indemnification and insurance coverage for acts or omissions occurring prior to the Asset Sale and arising out of the fact that such person was a director or officer of the Company prior to the Asset Sale. The Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in making its recommendation. Appraisal Rights in Respect of the Asset Sale (page 45) Under Delaware law, our stockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Asset Sale or the Dissolution.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Regulatory Matters (page 45) Completion of the Asset Sale is subject to approval (or the decision that no approval is required) under Austrian Foreign Direct Investment Law (“FDI”) having been made or obtained and all filings with and consents of any other governmental entity required to be made or obtained having been made or obtained, as applicable. Gilead submitted an FDI filing in Austria on June 13, 2025. Although we and Gilead believe that we will be able to obtain clearance in a timely manner, we cannot be certain when or if we will do so. Other than the FDI filing in Austria, we and Gilead do not believe that any other filings or consents with any governmental entities related to antitrust and competition law-driven merger control, foreign subsidies control and/or foreign investment control are required to be made or obtained in connection with the Asset Sale. The Asset Purchase Agreement (page 47) Consideration Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Sellers will sell to Gilead the Assets for the aggregate cash consideration of up to $10.0 million, of which $3.0 million shall be payable upon closing and up to $7.0 million shall become payable in three stages upon completion of a three-phase transfer plan for the Assets (the “Transfer Plan”), with $3.0 million payable upon completion of the first phase and $2.0 million payable upon completion of each of the second and third phases of the Transfer Plan. If Gilead disputes the completion of a phase of the Transfer Plan, we will not receive the cash consideration for such phase until we and Gilead agree that such phase has been completed or the dispute is resolved in our favor. Additionally, pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Collaboration Agreement will terminate upon the closing of the Asset Sale (other than with respect to certain agreed provisions of the Collaboration Agreement that will survive termination) and the Amended Stock Purchase Agreement will terminate in accordance with its terms, effective upon the closing of the Asset Sale. Non-Solicitation; Other Offers During the pendency of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Sellers have agreed not to solicit any third party proposals, engage in discussions or negotiations with third parties, furnish any non-public information to third parties that could reasonably be expected to lead to a third party proposal or submit any third party proposal to a stockholder vote, subject to certain limited exceptions as specified in the Asset Purchase Agreement. However, in the event of a “Superior Proposal” (as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement) that leads the Board to determine in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisor (if any) and legal counsel, that the failure to change its recommendation in favor of the Asset Sale would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to the stockholders under Delaware law, then the Board may, at any time prior to stockholder approval of the Asset Sale, withdraw its recommendation, if we provide prior written notice to Gilead of the Board’s intention to make a recommendation change three (3) business days in advance and, with respect to a Superior Proposal, provide Gilead the opportunity to make certain adjustments to the terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement to match the Superior Proposal. Closing Conditions Each party’s obligation to consummate the Asset Sale is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the applicable party) of certain closing conditions, including: (i) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) making or obtaining all necessary government filings and consents relating to the Asset Purchase Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Asset Sale, (iii) the accuracy of the representations and warranties made by each party at closing, subject to certain materiality qualifiers, (iv) all covenants and obligations of the parties have been complied with and performed in all material respects, (v) the receipt of certain required agreements, documents and instruments, and (vi) the absence of any litigation or proceeding related to the Asset Purchase Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Asset Sale. In addition, Gilead’s obligation to consummate the Asset Sale is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Gilead) of certain additional closing conditions, including: (i) the absence of any injunctions, orders or applicable law that limits or restricts the ownership, conduct or operation of the business of Gilead or any of its affiliates or Gilead’s ownership, conduct or operation of any Assets or the HB-400 Program or HB-500 Program; (ii) the absence of any injunctions, orders or applicable law that prevents consummation of the Asset Sale, (iii) the receipt of certain third party consents; and (iv) the absence of any material adverse effect on the Programs, the Assets and assumed liabilities, taken as a whole, or the ability of the Sellers to perform their obligations under the Asset Purchase Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby on a timely basis, subject to certain exceptions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Termination The Asset Purchase Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to closing (i) by mutual written agreement of the Sellers and Gilead, (ii) by either party if the closing has not occurred on or prior to midnight U.S. Eastern Time, on November 21, 2025, (iii) by either party if a governmental authority has issued a final order or decree that prohibits the Asset Sale, (iv) by Gilead if the Board changes its recommendation in respect of a Superior Proposal or either Seller has entered into a definitive agreement with respect to an alternative acquisition transaction, (v) by the Company in order to accept a Superior Proposal, (vi) by a non-breaching party if the other party materially breached any of its representations, warranties and covenants under the Asset Purchase Agreement and such breach is not cured within 30 days of receiving notice of such breach and (vii) by either party if the Company stockholders do not approve the Asset Sale at the Special Meeting. Expense Reimbursement If the Asset Purchase Agreement is terminated (i) by the Company in order to accept a Superior Proposal, (ii) by Gilead if the Board changes its recommendation in respect of a Superior Proposal or either Seller has entered into a definitive agreement with respect to an alternative acquisition transaction or (iii) by Gilead in connection with a willful and material breach of the Company’s non-solicitation covenant or covenant regarding the preparation and filing of this proxy statement or convening the Special Meeting under the Asset Purchase Agreement, any third party acquisition proposal shall have become publicly known prior to the termination of the Asset Purchase Agreement, and such acquisition proposal shall not have been unconditionally withdrawn prior to the termination of the Asset Purchase Agreement and within 12 months of such termination, any Seller consummates, or enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, an acquisition transaction, then the Company is required to reimburse Gilead for its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Asset Purchase Agreement, up to a maximum of $400,000. Indemnification The representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements contained in the Asset Purchase Agreement or any certificate delivered in connection with the Asset Purchase Agreement, will survive the completion of the Asset Purchase Agreement as follows: •certain fundamental representations by the Sellers and certain fundamental representations and warranties by Gilead will survive the closing of the Asset Sale and until (i) with respect to the Company and Gilead, the third anniversary of the closing or (ii) with respect to Hookipa Biotech, two (2) business days prior to the filing of the application for the registration of deletion (Löschung) pursuant to section 93 para 1 of the Austrian Limited Liability Company Act with the Austrian companies’ register (subject to Hookipa Biotech providing requisite notice to Gilead at least ten (10) business days prior to such filing); •all other representations of the Sellers and Gilead shall terminate and expire as of the closing; • | all obligations, covenants and other agreements contained in the Asset Purchase Agreement that by their terms contemplate performance prior to the closing and any certificate referred to in the Asset Purchase Agreement with respect thereto, will survive until the date that is one (1) year after the closing; |
• | all obligations, covenants and other agreements contained in the Asset Purchase Agreement that by their terms contemplate performance from and after the closing of the Asset Sale and any certificate referred to in the Asset Purchase Agreement with respect thereto, shall survive the closing until the date that is ninety (90) days after the full satisfaction of such obligation, covenant or agreement; and |
• | notwithstanding the above, claims under the Asset Purchase Agreement relating to taxes, Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities (each as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement), or based on fraud will survive the closing until the date that is sixty (60) days after the expiration of the longest statute of limitations with respect thereto. |
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Hookipa Biotech, severally but not jointly, and the Company, jointly and severally, have agreed to indemnify Gilead, Gilead’s affiliates and each of their respective members and representatives, against, and hold them harmless from, any and all losses resulting from or arising in connection with: • | either Seller’s breach of certain fundamental representations in the Asset Purchase Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, to the extent related thereto (the “Representation Breach Indemnity”); |
TABLE OF CONTENTS •either Seller’s breach of any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in the Asset Purchase Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, to the extent related thereto; •the transfer of any of the Company’s employees to Gilead by operation of law due to the execution of the Asset Purchase Agreement or any other transaction documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby; • | any fraud on the part of or committed by the Sellers or any representative thereof in connection with or relating directly or indirectly to (i) the negotiation, execution, delivery or performance of the Asset Purchase Agreement or any other transaction document, or (ii) any of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement and the other transaction documents; |
• | liabilities resulting from claims or allegations by third parties with respect to or in connection with any of the employees, including former employees, of either Seller or any third party who alleges to be an employee or former employee of either Seller; |
• | the dissolution, liquidation, winding up or insolvency of either Seller; and |
• | any Excluded Asset or Excluded Liability. |
Gilead has the right to withhold the amount of any claims for indemnifiable damages, and set-off any such amounts, from the $7.0 million transfer completion payments. Gilead is not entitled to any indemnification for losses related to breaches of certain representations and warranties of the Sellers until Gilead suffers at least $100,000 of damages, and then Gilead is entitled to recover from the first dollar of damages. Limitations on Liability Subject to certain exclusions in the case of claims of fraud against the Sellers or the insolvency of the Sellers, in no event shall a Seller’s aggregate liability to Gilead for indemnification claims pursuant to the Representation Warranty Breach Indemnity exceed an amount equal to: • | the purchase price paid or actually due to be paid to such Seller with respect to indemnification claims asserted on or prior to the date that is one (1) year after the closing of the Asset Sale; |
• | the lesser of (a) the purchase price paid or due to be paid to such Seller and (b) $7.0 million with respect to indemnification claims asserted after the date that is one (1) year after the closing of the Asset Sale and on or prior to the date that is two (2) years after the closing of the Asset Sale; and |
• | the lesser of (a) the purchase price paid or due to be paid to such Seller and (b) $3.0 million with respect to indemnification claims asserted after the date that is two (2) years after the closing of the Asset Sale. |
No indemnified party is entitled to be indemnified for any punitive damages, damages for lost profits or diminution in value or consequential, exemplary or special damages under the Asset Purchase Agreement, except as a result of direct damages therefor or arising out of, or involving a claim made by a third party. Taxes Transaction taxes related to the Asset Sale generally shall be borne by the Sellers, provided that Gilead shall, upon the reasonable request of the Sellers, reasonably cooperate with the Sellers to minimize the amount of transaction taxes that shall be payable as a result of the Asset Sale. The Asset Sale will not be taxable to stockholders, although distributions of proceeds from the Asset Sale to the Company’s stockholders will generally be taxable to stockholders. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Dissolution to Hookipa Stockholders” below. The Dissolution Reasons for the Dissolution (see page 58) In considering whether the Company should liquidate and dissolve following the consummation of the Asset Sale, the Board considered the terms of the Plan of Dissolution and the dissolution process under the DGCL, as well as other available strategic options, which included, among other things, remaining a publicly traded company, the
TABLE OF CONTENTS possibility of investing the cash received from the Asset Sale in another operating business or undertaking a going private transaction. As part of the Board’s evaluation process, the Board considered the risks and timing of each strategic option available to the Company, and consulted with its financial advisors, management and the Company’s legal counsel. In approving the Dissolution and the Plan of Dissolution, the Board considered a number of factors, including but not limited to, the factors described elsewhere in this proxy statement as well as the following factors: •The viability of the Company’s business model following the Asset Sale, which may constitute substantially all of the Company’s assets, and the costs and time that would be required to alter the Company’s current business structure following the Asset Sale; •The economic burden of continuing to comply with public company reporting requirements following the Asset Sale; and • | That the Plan of Dissolution permits the Board to abandon the Dissolution prior to filing the Certificate of Dissolution if the Board determines that, in light of new proposals presented or changes in circumstances, the Dissolution is no longer advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. |
Summary of Plan of Dissolution (page 60) If the stockholders approve the Asset Sale and the Dissolution, the Company intends to file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State as soon as practicable following the closing of the Asset Sale and completion of the Transfer Plan. Under the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company is not permitted to file a Certificate of Dissolution until all phases of the Transfer Plan are completed. Upon the Company’s filing of a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State, the winding up and liquidation of the Company pursuant to the Plan of Dissolution will commence. The Company intends to pay or make provisions for the payment of all its claims and obligations, reserve amounts for payment to its creditors (including amounts required to cover unknown or contingent liabilities), wind-up its affairs and distribute its remaining assets to its stockholders. The Company may distribute, in an initial distribution (with potential subsequent distributions thereafter), cash from the Asset Sale, subject to a contingency reserve for remaining costs and liabilities including those stemming from the Asset Purchase Agreement, after the filing of a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State. The amount and timing of any distributions to stockholders will be determined by the Board in its discretion. On the bases described in this proxy statement, the Board anticipates that any distribution to stockholders will not occur any earlier than the date that is three years after the filing of the Certificate of Dissolution and may be approximately $1.28 to $1.72 per share of common stock and Class A common stock (based on 9,799,053 shares of common stock and 2,399,517 shares of Class A common stock outstanding on the record date), after taking into account currently known and estimated expenses and liabilities, and assuming the entire $10.0 million purchase price in the Asset Sale is paid to the Sellers and no indemnification claims are made under the Asset Purchase Agreement. However, there can be no assurance as to the timing and amount of distributions, if any, to our stockholders because there are many factors, some of which are outside of our control, that could affect our ability to make such distributions. Holders of the Series A convertible preferred stock, Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and Series A-2 convertible preferred stock (collectively, “Series A Preferred”) will receive, pari passu with any distribution to the holders of common stock and Class A common stock, an amount equal to $0.001 per share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus an additional amount equal to any dividends declared but unpaid on such shares. Holders of common stock and Class A common stock are entitled to share ratably in any liquidating distributions. If the stockholders do not approve the Dissolution, the Company will still seek to complete the Asset Sale, if the Asset Sale is approved by the stockholders and the other conditions to closing set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement are satisfied or waived. If the Asset Sale is completed, we will have no product candidates that generate revenue, no marketing and sales organization, no experience in marketing products and no Dissolution approved, the Company anticipates that it would use its cash to pay ongoing operating expenses, and the Board would convene to determine whether to pay any dividends to the stockholders. The Board would have to evaluate the alternatives available to the Company, including, among other things, remaining a publicly traded company or undertaking a going private transaction. If we consummate the Dissolution and liquidate, it is anticipated that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a stockholder will recognize gain or loss with respect to distributions made pursuant to the Plan of Dissolution equal to the difference between: (i) the sum of the amount of money and the fair market value of property (other than
TABLE OF CONTENTS money) distributed to such stockholder; and (ii) such stockholder’s tax basis in the common stock. However, if the Dissolution is not approved by our stockholders (or if it is approved, but one or more distributions are not characterized as a distribution in complete liquidation of the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes), our stockholders could incur an increased stockholder-level tax liability in the event that property (including cash from the Asset Sale) distributed to stockholders is characterized as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Dissolution to Hookipa Stockholders” below. WE URGE EACH STOCKHOLDER TO SEEK TAX ADVICE BASED UPON ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.
TABLE OF CONTENTS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING,
THE ASSET SALE AND THE DISSOLUTION The following questions and answers are intended to address briefly some commonly asked questions regarding the Asset Sale, the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Dissolution, and the Plan of Dissolution and the Special Meeting. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to you as a stockholder of the Company. Please refer to the “Summary of Terms” beginning on page 1 and the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement, the annexes to this proxy statement and the documents referred to or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” beginning on page 73. Q:
Why did I receive these materials? A:
The Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Special Meeting for the purpose of, among other things, obtaining stockholder approval for the Asset Sale and the Dissolution. The Board is seeking stockholder approval of the Asset Sale because we are a Delaware corporation and the Asset Sale may constitute the sale of “substantially all” of our property and assets under Section 271 of the DGCL. Section 271 of the DGCL requires that a Delaware corporation obtain the approval of the holders of a majority of the corporation’s outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon for the sale of “all or substantially all of its property and assets.” Additionally, approval of the Asset Sale by holders of a majority of our issued and outstanding common stock is a closing condition under the Asset Purchase Agreement. | Under rules adopted by the SEC, we intend to mail the full set of our proxy materials, including this proxy statement and the proxy card, to our stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 17, 2025, on or around July 3, 2025. The proxy materials are also available to view and download at https://ir.hookipapharma.com. Q:
| How do I attend and participate in the Special Meeting online? |
A:
| The Special Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting of stockholders and will be webcast live over the Internet. Any stockholder can attend the virtual meeting live online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HOOK2025SM. The webcast will start at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Stockholders as of June 17, 2025 (the “Record Date”), may vote and submit questions while attending the meeting online. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please refer to the technical support information located at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HOOK2025SM or www.proxyvote.com. You will not be able to attend the Special Meeting in person. Stockholders attending the Special Meeting will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting. |
In order to enter the Special Meeting, you will need the control number, which is included in your proxy materials if you are a stockholder of record of shares of common stock, or included with your voting instructions and materials received from your broker, bank or other agent if you hold your shares of common stock in a “street name.” Instructions on how to attend and participate are available at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HOOK2025SM. We recommend that you log in a few minutes before 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to ensure you are logged in when the Special Meeting starts. The webcast will open 15 minutes before the start of the Special Meeting. If you would like to submit a question during the Special Meeting, you may log in to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HOOK2025SM using your control number, type your question into the “Ask a Question” field, and click “Submit.” Q:
| What am I being asked to vote on at the Special Meeting? |
A:
| There are three matters scheduled for a vote, collectively referred to as the “Proposals”: |
(1)
| To approve the Asset Sale, pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement. This proposal is referred to as the “Asset Sale Proposal.” |
(2)
| To approve the Dissolution and the Plan of Dissolution, which, if approved, will authorize the Company to dissolve and liquidate as described in the Plan of Dissolution. This proposal is referred to as the “Dissolution Proposal.” |
(3)
| To approve one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting from time to time, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are insufficient shares present in person or by proxy voting in favor of the Asset Sale Proposal of Dissolution Proposal. This proposal is referred to as the “Adjournment Proposal.” |
TABLE OF CONTENTS Q:
What if another matter is properly brought before the Special Meeting? A:
The Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Special Meeting and pursuant to Delaware law and the Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws (the “Bylaws”), only those matters set forth in the notice of the special meeting may be considered or acted upon at the special meeting. However, if any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment. | Q:
| How does the Board recommend that I vote? |
A:
| After careful consideration of a variety of factors described in this proxy statement, the Board unanimously recommends that you vote: |
• | “FOR” the Asset Sale Proposal; |
• | “FOR” the Dissolution Proposal; and |
• | “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal. |
You should read “The Asset Sale (Proposal No. 1) — Reasons for the Asset Sale” beginning on page 41 for a discussion of the factors that the Board considered in deciding to recommend approval of the Asset Sale and “The Dissolution (Proposal No. 2) — Reasons for Dissolution” on page 58 for a discussion of the factors that the Board considered in deciding to recommend approval of the Dissolution. In addition, when considering the recommendation of the Board, you should be aware that some of our directors and executive officer may have interests in the Asset Sale that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of stockholders more generally. For a discussion of these interests, please see the section captioned “The Asset Sale (Proposal No. 1) — Interests of Our Directors and Executive Officers in the Asset Sale” on page 44. Questions about the Asset Sale Q:
| Who is buying the Assets and for what consideration? |
A:
| We, together with Hookipa Biotech, are proposing to sell the Assets to Gilead, a holder of greater than five percent of our capital stock. Gilead is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. Gilead is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer and inflammation. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. Gilead also is a party with us in our Collaboration Agreement. For more information on the Collaboration Agreement, see “The Parties to the Asset Sale ― Collaboration Agreement” beginning on page 3. |
Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the aggregate consideration for the Asset Sale will be up to $10.0 million, of which $3.0 million shall be payable upon closing and up to $7.0 million shall become payable in three stages upon successful completion of the Transfer Plan, with $3.0 million payable upon completion of the first phase and $2.0 million payable upon completion of each of the second and third phases. If Gilead disputes the completion of a phase of the Transfer Plan, we will not receive the cash consideration for such phase until we and Gilead agree that such phase has been completed or the dispute is resolved in our favor. The terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement are more fully described below under “The Asset Purchase Agreement” beginning on page 47. Q:
| What will happen if the Transfer Plan is not completed? |
A:
| Completion of the steps of the Transfer Plan requires us to transfer to Gilead certain know-how, records, documents, and other information and materials, assign to Gilead certain transferred contracts and patent file histories, and perform certain transfer services relating to the Programs. If Gilead disputes the completion of a phase of the Transfer Plan, our receipt of the cash consideration for such phase may be delayed until we and Gilead agree that all tasks under such phase have been completed. If we and Gilead cannot agree that all tasks under a given phase have been completed, we may never receive the cash consideration for that given phase, subject to resolution of that dispute under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement in our favor. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS In addition, under the Asset Purchase Agreement, we are not permitted to file a Certificate of Dissolution until all phases of the Transfer Plan are completed. If Gilead disputes the completion of any step in the Transfer Plan and resolution of that dispute is not in our favor, and if Gilead does not waive the requirement that such phase of the Transfer Plan be completed before we are permitted to file a Certificate of Dissolution, we will be unable to dissolve or make any liquidating distributions to our stockholders, even if the Dissolution Proposal is approved. Alternatively, if we file a Certificate of Dissolution notwithstanding that all phases of the Transfer Plan have not been completed to the satisfaction of Gilead, we would be in breach of the Asset Purchase Agreement and may be required to indemnify Gilead from any damages Gilead suffers as a result of such breach. Q:
Did the Board obtain a third-party valuation or fairness opinion in determining whether to proceed with the Asset Sale and the Asset Purchase Agreement? A:
The Board is not required to, and did not, obtain a third-party valuation or fairness opinion in connection with its determination to approve the Asset Sale pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement. In analyzing the Asset Sale and the consideration to be received pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Board and management conducted due diligence on the Assets and relied on the analysis of our management and advisors. The Board, in reviewing such analysis, and based on discussions with its legal and financial advisors, determined that it had sufficient information to determine the fair market value of the Assets, and that a fairness opinion was not necessary. The fair market value of the Assets has been determined by the Board based upon standards generally accepted by the financial community, such as potential sales and the price for which comparable businesses or assets have been valued. Our stockholders are therefore relying on the judgment of our Board and you will not have assurance from an independent source that the consideration Gilead is paying for the Assets is fair to the Company from a financial point of view. | Q:
| What will the net proceeds from the Asset Sale be used for? |
A:
| The Company expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $7.6 million from the Asset Sale, after payment of transaction and other related expenses, applicable taxes (if any) and sublicense expenses, assuming the entire $10.0 million purchase price is paid upon successful completion of the Transfer Plan. Assuming the Dissolution is approved by stockholders, we plan to make distributions to the stockholders, subject to a contingency reserve for remaining costs and liabilities including those stemming from the Asset Purchase Agreement, of available proceeds, including from the Asset Sale, if any, after the filing of a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State. The amount and timing of any distributions to stockholders will be determined by the Board in its discretion. On the bases described in this proxy statement, the Board anticipates that any distribution to stockholders will not occur any earlier than the date that is three years after the filing of the Certificate of Dissolution and may be approximately $1.28 to $1.72 per share of common stock and Class A common stock (based on 9,799,053 shares of common stock and 2,399,517 shares of Class A common stock outstanding on the record date), after taking into account currently known and estimated expenses and liabilities, and assuming the entire $10.0 million purchase price in the Asset Sale is paid to the Sellers and no indemnification claims are made under the Asset Purchase Agreement. However, there can be no assurance as to the timing and amount of distributions, if any, to our stockholders because there are many factors, some of which are outside of our control, that could affect our ability to make such distributions. |
In the event that stockholders do not approve the Dissolution, we will still seek to complete the Asset Sale, if the Asset Sale is approved by the stockholders and the other conditions to closing set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement are satisfied or waived. If the Asset Sale is completed, we will have no product candidates that generate revenue, no marketing and sales organization, no experience in marketing products and no Dissolution approved, the Company anticipates that it would use its cash to pay ongoing operating expenses, and the Board would convene to determine whether to pay any dividends to the stockholders. The Board would have to evaluate the alternatives available to the Company, including, among other things, remaining a publicly traded company or undertaking a going private transaction. In the event that we make a distribution outside of the Plan of Dissolution, our stockholders could incur an increased stockholder-level tax liability if the property (including cash from the Asset Sale) distributed to stockholders is characterized as a dividend for tax purposes (see the section entitled “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Dissolution to Hookipa Stockholders”).
TABLE OF CONTENTS Q:
What will happen if the Asset Sale is not approved by stockholders or is not completed for any other reason? A:
If the Asset Sale is not completed for any reason, (i) we may have difficulty recouping the significant transaction costs incurred in connection with negotiating the Asset Sale, (ii) our relationships with our third-party collaborators, business partners and employees may be damaged and (iii) the market price for our common stock may decline. | Q:
| When is the Asset Sale expected to be completed? |
A:
| If the Asset Sale is approved by stockholders at the Special Meeting, we expect to complete the Asset Sale no later than the fifth (5th) business day after the date on which all of the remaining closing conditions under the Asset Purchase Agreement have been first satisfied or waived, which we anticipate will occur as soon as possible following the Special Meeting, subject to receiving certain regulatory approvals (see the section entitled “The Asset Sale (Proposal No. 1) — Regulatory Matters”). The exact timing of the completion of the Asset Sale cannot be predicted, although the Asset Purchase Agreement may be terminated by the Company or Gilead if the closing has not occurred on or prior to midnight U.S. Eastern Time, on November 21, 2025. |
Q:
| How will the Asset Sale affect outstanding equity awards held by our directors, executive officers and other employees? | A:
| A “sale event” as defined under our 2019 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2019 Incentive Plan”) and our 2023 Inducement Plan (collectively, the “Equity Plans”) may occur in the event that the Asset Sale is completed. Under the Equity Plans, a “sale event” will be deemed to have occurred in circumstances including, but not limited to, the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company on a consolidated basis to an unrelated person or entity. If the Asset Sale is deemed to constitute a sale event under the Equity Plans, all options and stock appreciation rights with time-based vesting conditions or restrictions that are not vested and/or exercisable immediately prior to the effective time of the sale event shall become fully vested and exercisable as of the effective time of the sale event, all other awards with time-based vesting, conditions or restrictions shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable as of the effective time of the sale event, and all awards with conditions and restrictions relating to the attainment of performance goals may become vested and nonforfeitable in connection with a sale event in the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”), or to the extent specified in the relevant award. As of June 30, 2025, there were 178,570 restricted stock units and 13,264 options issued and unvested held by certain of our officers and directors that will be accelerated pursuant to the terms of the Equity Plans upon the closing of the Asset Sale. However, 89,284 of these unvested restricted stock units and 2,450 of these unvested options will vest as of July 22, 2025 in accordance with their existing terms. In addition, the Board approved the acceleration of all the remaining unvested restricted stock units held by our executive officers and unvested options held by our directors and employees, including our executive officers, effective as of the filing of an application on Form 25 to notify the SEC of the withdrawal of our common stock from listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, which we anticipate filing as soon as practicable following the Special Meeting. | Questions about the Dissolution Q:
| What will happen under the Plan of Dissolution? |
A:
| Under the Plan of Dissolution, we will file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State, our jurisdiction of incorporation, to dissolve the Company as a legal entity. The Company will then cease its business activities, reserve amounts for payment to its creditors (including amounts required to cover unknown or contingent liabilities which may include those under the Asset Purchase Agreement), wind-up its affairs, and distribute its remaining assets, if any, to our stockholders. |
Q:
| What will happen if the Dissolution Proposal is approved but the Asset Sale is not completed? |
A:
| The effectiveness of the Dissolution is conditioned on the consummation of the Asset Sale. If the Asset Sale does not occur, the Dissolution will not occur, unless the Board subsequently determines to proceed with the Dissolution pursuant to an alternative transaction or plan. |
Q:
| What will happen if stockholders approve the Asset Sale but do not approve the Dissolution? |
A:
| If stockholders do not approve the Dissolution, the Company will still seek to complete the Asset Sale, if the Asset Sale is approved by the stockholders and the other conditions to closing set forth in the Asset Purchase |
TABLE OF CONTENTS Agreement are satisfied or waived. If the Asset Sale is completed, we will have no product candidates that generate revenue, no marketing and sales organization, no experience in marketing products and no Dissolution approved, the Company anticipates that it would use its cash to pay ongoing operating expenses, and the Board would convene to determine whether to pay any dividends to the stockholders. The Board would have to evaluate the alternatives available to the Company, including, among other things, remaining a publicly traded company, the possibility of investing the cash received from the Asset Sale in another operating business or undertaking a going private transaction. In the event that we pay a dividend outside of the Plan of Dissolution, our stockholders could incur an increased tax liability if the property (including cash from the Asset Sale) distributed to stockholders is characterized as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes (see the section entitled “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Dissolution to Hookipa Stockholders”). Q:
Will I owe any U.S. federal income taxes as a result of the Dissolution? A:
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions made pursuant to the Plan of Dissolution are intended to be treated as received by a stockholder in exchange for the stockholder’s shares of our common stock in complete liquidation of the company and may result in a U.S. federal income tax liability to the stockholder. For a more detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Dissolution to Hookipa Stockholders” beginning on page 64 of this proxy statement. You should consult your tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of the Dissolution to you, including the applicability of any U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax laws. | Q:
| Can the Board abandon the Dissolution or modify the Plan of Dissolution after stockholder approval? |
A:
| Yes. If the Board determines that the Dissolution is not in the best interests of the Company or our stockholders, the Board may direct that the Dissolution be abandoned, or may amend or modify the Plan of Dissolution to the extent permitted by Delaware law, in either case without the necessity of further stockholder approval. After the Certificate of Dissolution has been filed with the Delaware Secretary of State, however, revocation of the Dissolution would require stockholder approval under Delaware law. |
Q:
| If the Dissolution Proposal is approved, what does the Company estimate that the holders of common stock will receive? |
A:
| The total amount of cash or other property that may ultimately be distributed to the holders of common stock is not yet known. There are many factors that may affect the amounts available for distribution to holders of common stock including, among other things, the amount of taxes, employee costs (including severance payments), transaction fees, brokerage fees, potential indemnification claims under the Asset Purchase Agreement (if asserted), expenses relating to the dissolution and unanticipated or contingent liabilities arising hereafter. No assurance can be given as to the amounts holders of common stock will ultimately receive. If the Company has underestimated its existing obligations and liabilities or if unanticipated or contingent liabilities arise, the amount ultimately distributed to the holders of common stock could be less than the estimates set forth below. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $7.6 million from the Asset Sale, excluding transaction and other related expenses, applicable taxes (if any) and sublicense expenses, assuming the entire $10.0 million purchase price is paid upon successful completion of the Transfer Plan. Subject to satisfaction of and compliance with existing contractual and banking obligations, and appropriate reserves, the Company intends to distribute the net proceeds of the Asset Sale to its stockholders as part of the Dissolution in one or more liquidating distributions. The amount and timing of any distributions to stockholders will be determined by the Board in its discretion. On the bases described in this proxy statement, the Board anticipates that any distribution to stockholders will not occur any earlier than the date that is three years after the filing of the Certificate of Dissolution and may be approximately $1.28 to $1.72 per share of common stock and Class A common stock (based on 9,799,053 shares of common stock and 2,399,517 shares of Class A common stock outstanding on the record date), after taking into account currently known and estimated expenses and liabilities, and assuming the entire $10.0 million purchase price in the Asset Sale is paid to the Sellers and no indemnification claims are made under the Asset Purchase Agreement. However, there can be no assurance as to the timing and amount of distributions, if any, to our stockholders because there are many factors, some of which are outside of our
TABLE OF CONTENTS control, that could affect our ability to make such distributions. For further information on the estimated distribution to our stockholders and a description of the assumptions underlying our estimate of the total cash distributions to our stockholders in the Dissolution, see “The Dissolution (Proposal No. 2)” beginning on page 58 of this proxy statement. Q:
Will I still be able to sell my shares of common stock following stockholder approval of the Dissolution? A:
If the Dissolution Proposal is approved by our stockholders and if and when the Board determines to proceed with the Dissolution, we will close our transfer books on the date we file the Certificate of Dissolution (the “Final Record Date”). After such time, we will not record any further transfers of our common stock, except pursuant to the provisions of a deceased stockholder’s will, intestate succession or by operation of law and we will not issue any new stock certificates, other than replacement certificates. In addition, after the Effective Time, we will not issue any shares of our common stock upon exercise of outstanding options or restricted stock units. As a result of the closing of our transfer books, it is anticipated that distributions, if any, made in connection with the Dissolution will be made pro rata to the same stockholders of record as the stockholders of record as of the Final Record Date, and it is anticipated that no further trading of our common stock will occur after the Final Record Date. | Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”). Our common stock will be delisted prior to the date we file the Certificate of Dissolution, and trading will be suspended on that date or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable. If our common stock is delisted prior to the date we file the Certificate of Dissolution, trading in our common stock may be very limited. Refer to “Risk Factors — We intend to have our common stock delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market as soon as practicable following the Special Meeting, after which it will not be possible for stockholders to publicly trade our stock” for more information. The Company will not retain a transfer agent following the date of filing of the Certificate of Dissolution. In addition, the Company plans to deregister its shares of common stock under Section 12(b), and suspend its periodic reporting obligations under Section 15(d), of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Q:
| When do you expect the dissolution and winding-up process to be completed? |
A:
| Assuming the Asset Sale Proposal and the Dissolution Proposal is approved by our stockholders, we currently expect to file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State after the closing of the Asset Sale as soon as all phases of the Transfer Plan are completed, which is currently expected to occur in late 2025, although such filing may be delayed by the Board in its sole discretion and the Board has not set a deadline to make its decision to proceed with the filing of a Certificate of Dissolution. Pursuant to the DGCL, our corporate existence will continue for a period of at least three years following the filing of the Certificate of Dissolution for the purpose of prosecuting and defending suits, winding up the Company and making distributions to stockholders, but not for the purpose of continuing to engage in any business for which the Company was organized. The three-year statutory winding-up period can be extended by the Delaware Court of Chancery. In addition, the Company may remain a body corporate beyond the three-year period for the sole purpose of proceedings begun before or during the three-year period. As a result, the winding-up process could extend beyond three years after dissolution and it is difficult to estimate when it will be completed. |
Additional Matters Q:
| Are there any risks related to the Asset Sale or the Dissolution? |
A:
| Yes. You should carefully review the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 25 of this proxy statement. |
Q:
| Am I entitled to appraisal rights or dissenters’ rights in connection with the Asset Sale or the Dissolution? |
A:
| No. As a stockholder, under Delaware law, you will not be eligible for appraisal rights or dissenters’ rights in connection with the Asset Sale or the Dissolution, even if you abstain from voting or vote against the Asset Sale Proposal or the Dissolution Proposal. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS Q:
Why am I being asked to vote on the Adjournment Proposal? A:
We are asking stockholders to approve the Adjournment Proposal to provide the Board with additional time to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Asset Sale and the Dissolution in the event that the number of shares needed to approve the Asset Sale or the Dissolution is insufficient at the time of the Special Meeting. | Q:
| How many shares must be present or represented to conduct business at the Special Meeting? |
A:
| The presence, in person or by proxy duly authorized, of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Special Meeting. Assuming the Special Meeting is held solely by means of remote communication, as it is currently scheduled to be, only shares present virtually or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present. 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), if you vote at the meeting or if you attend the Special Meeting but abstain from voting. The Special Meeting may be adjourned whether or not a quorum is present. If you hold your Shares in “street name” and do not give any instruction to your broker, bank or other nominee as to how your shares should be voted at the Special Meeting, those shares will not be deemed present at the Special Meeting and will not be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. |
As of the close of business on June 17, 2025, the record date for the Special Meeting, there were 9,799,053 shares of common stock outstanding. Q:
| What vote is required for stockholders to approve of the proposals at the Special Meeting? |
A:
| The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of common stock on the Record Date is required to approve the Asset Sale Proposal and the Dissolution Proposal. Because the required vote for these proposals is based on the number of votes our stockholders are entitled to cast rather than on the number of votes actually cast, if you fail to authorize a proxy or vote online at the meeting, abstain from voting at the meeting, or fail to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote, such failure will have the same effect as votes cast “AGAINST” this proposal. As of June 17, 2025, the record date for the Special Meeting, 4,899,527 shares constitute a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock. |
Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires that (i) if a quorum is present, the number of votes properly cast for the Adjournment Proposal exceed the number of votes properly cast against the Adjournment Proposal or (ii) if a quorum is not present, the Adjournment Proposal is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy duly authorized at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote generally on the subject matter. Q:
| Will a list of record stockholders as of the Record Date be available? |
A:
| For the ten (10) days prior to the Special Meeting, the list will be available for examination by any stockholder of record for a legally valid purpose at our principal place of business during regular business hours. We request that you email us at legal@hookipapharma.com to coordinate arrangements to view the stockholder list. |
Q:
| Who can vote at the Special Meeting? |
A:
| Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 17, 2025, will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. On this Record Date, there were 9,799,053 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Our common stock is our only class of voting stock. Our Non-Voting Capital Stock do not have any voting rights with respect to the proposals to be voted on at the Special Meeting. |
Stockholder of Record: Shares of Common Stock Registered in Your Name If, on June 17, 2025, your shares of common stock were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote online during the Special Meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. Refer to “How do I vote?” below. Beneficial Owner: Shares of Common Stock Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank or Other Agent If, on June 17, 2025, your shares of common stock were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered
TABLE OF CONTENTS to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Special Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Special Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares online during the meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other agent. Q:
How do I vote? A:
For each proposal, you may vote “For” or “Against” or abstain from voting. | The procedures for voting are described below. Stockholder of Record: Shares of Common Stock Registered in Your Name If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote online during the Special Meeting, or you may vote by proxy using the enclosed proxy card. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the Special Meeting and vote online, even if you have already voted by proxy. ○ | To vote online during the Special Meeting follow the provided instructions to join the meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HOOK2025SM, starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on July 29, 2025. The webcast will open 15 minutes before the start of the Special Meeting. | ○ | To submit your proxy in advance of the Special Meeting through the internet, go to www.proxyvote.com to complete an electronic proxy card. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the Notice or the printed proxy card. To ensure your shares are voted, your internet proxy must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on July 28, 2025. | ○ | To submit your proxy in advance of the Special Meeting by telephone, dial 1-800-690-6903 using a touch-tone phone and follow the recorded instructions. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the Notice or the printed proxy card. To ensure your shares are voted, your telephone proxy must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on July 28, 2025. | ○ | To submit your proxy using the enclosed proxy card, complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the accompanying postage-paid envelope. If you return your signed proxy card to us before the Special Meeting, we will vote your shares as you direct. |
Beneficial Owner: Shares of Common Stock Registered in the Name of Broker, Bank or Other Agent If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you should have received a voting instruction form with these proxy materials from that organization rather than from the Company. Complete and mail the voting instruction form to ensure that your vote is counted. Alternatively, you may vote by telephone or over the internet if so instructed by your broker, bank or other agent. To vote online at the Special Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other agent. Follow the instructions from your broker, bank or other agent included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker, bank or other agent to request a proxy form. Internet proxy voting may be provided to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your internet access, such as usage charges from internet access providers and telephone companies. Q:
| What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner? |
A:
| If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, you are considered, with respect to those shares, to be the “stockholder of record.” In this case, this proxy statement and your proxy card have been sent directly to you by the Company. |
If your shares are held through a bank, broker or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name.” In that case, this proxy statement has been forwarded to you by your bank, broker or other nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, to be the stockholder of record. As the
TABLE OF CONTENTS beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote your shares by following their instructions for voting. Because of the non-routine nature of the Proposals, your broker, bank or other nominee is not authorized to vote your shares on any proposal without instructions from you. You are also invited to attend the Special Meeting. However, because you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares virtually at the Special Meeting unless you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee, as the stockholder of record, authorizing you to vote your shares. Refer to “If my broker holds my shares in ‘street name,’ will my broker vote my shares for me?” below. Q:
How many votes do I have? A:
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock you owned as of the close of business on June 17, 2025. | Q:
| What happens if I abstain from voting or if I do not vote on the proposals? |
A:
| An abstention represents a stockholder’s affirmative choice to decline to vote on a proposal. If you indicate an abstention on your proxy, or attend the Special Meeting virtually and abstain from voting, that abstention will have the same effect as if you voted “AGAINST” the Proposals, except for the vote on the Adjournment Proposal if a quorum is present at the Special Meeting, in which case your abstention will have no effect on the outcome of the Adjournment Proposal. However, those abstentions are counted as shares present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Special Meeting. |
Failure to vote your shares of common stock (including a failure of your broker, bank or other nominee to vote shares held on your behalf) will also count as a vote “AGAINST” the Asset Sale Proposal and the Dissolution Proposal. If your shares are not deemed present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting, then a failure to vote will not have any effect on the Adjournment Proposal. If your shares are deemed present or represented by proxy, then a failure to vote your shares will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Adjournment Proposal, but only if a quorum is not present. Because brokers, banks and other nominees do not have discretionary voting authority with respect to the Proposals, if a beneficial owner of shares of common stock held in street name does not give voting instructions to the broker, bank or other nominee with respect to any of the proposals, then those shares may not be voted on your behalf for any proposal, will not be present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Special Meeting. However, if a beneficial owner of shares of common stock held in street name gives voting instructions to the broker, bank or other nominee with respect to at least one of the proposals, but gives no instruction as to one or more of the other proposals, then those shares will be deemed present at the Special Meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum at the Special Meeting, will be voted as instructed with respect to any proposal as to which instructions were given, and will not be voted with respect to any other proposal. Therefore, it is important that you instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how you wish to vote your shares. Q:
| Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy? |
A:
| Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name |
Yes. You can change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Special Meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy in any one of the following ways: • | You may submit another properly completed proxy card with a later date. |
• | You may grant a subsequent proxy by telephone or through the Internet. |
• | You may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to HOOKIPA Pharma Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, at 350 Fifth Avenue, 72nd Floor, Suite 7240, New York, New York 10118. |
• | You may attend the Special Meeting and vote online. Attending the Special Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy. You must specifically vote at the virtual Special Meeting in order for your previous proxy to be revoked. |
Your most current proxy card or submission of voting instructions online or by telephone is the one that is counted.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker, Bank or Other Agent If your shares are held by your broker, bank or agent, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other agent regarding how to change your vote. |
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