Table of Contents

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
File Nos. 333-161442 and 333-177506

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to Prospectuses dated February 16, 2011 and dated October 25, 2011)

 

CELL THERAPEUTICS, INC.

$40,000,000 of Shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock and Warrants to

Purchase Shares of Common Stock

(and the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon conversion,

exercise or exchange thereof)

 

 

Pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses, we are offering an aggregate of $40,000,000 of shares of Series 15 Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock, or the warrants (and the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon conversion of the Series 15 Convertible Preferred Stock and exercise or exchange of the warrants) to Socius CG II, Ltd., an institutional accredited investor, or the Initial Purchaser, pursuant to the terms of a Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 28, 2012, or the Purchase Agreement.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses also cover the sale of these securities by the Initial Purchaser to the public. The Initial Purchaser is an “underwriter” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and any profits on the sales of our securities by the Initial Purchaser and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by the Initial Purchaser may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions.

We expect to initially issue 20,000 shares of Series 15 Convertible Preferred Stock, or the Series 15-1 Preferred Stock, (convertible into an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon conversion at a conversion price of $1.00 per share) and warrants to purchase up to 13,333,332 shares of common stock with an exercise price per share of $1.092, on or around May 29, 2012, or the initial closing, for gross proceeds of $20,000,000.

Subject to certain terms and conditions, the Initial Purchaser has also agreed to purchase and we have agreed to sell 20,000 shares of Series 15 Convertible Preferred Stock, or the Series 15-2 Preferred Stock, and warrants to purchase shares of common stock on the 60^th day after the initial closing, or the second closing, for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. The exercise price of the warrants issued in the second closing will equal a 20% premium to the closing bid price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market calculated one trading day prior to the date of the second closing. The conversion price of the Series 15-2 Preferred Stock shall equal the closing bid price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market calculated one trading day prior to the date of the second closing, plus $0.08375.

All warrants issued in this offering are exercisable beginning on or after the date of issuance and expire five years after the date of issuance. If the market price is less than the exercise prices, the warrants may also be exchanged for shares of common stock based on the specified Black-Scholes formula.

The shares of Series 15-1 and Series 15-2 Preferred Stock are referred to collectively in this prospectus supplement as the Series 15 Preferred Stock. For a more detailed description of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants, see the sections entitled “Description of Series 15 Preferred Stock” and “Description of Warrants” beginning on pages S-19 and S-22, respectively, of this prospectus supplement. For a more detailed description of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and exercise and exchange of the warrants, see the section entitled “Description of Capital Stock” beginning on page S-24 of this prospectus supplement.

We will pay a placement agent fee of 5% of the gross proceeds raised at each of the initial closing and second closing to Halcyon Cabot Partners, Ltd., as the sole placement agent for the issuance of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants to the Initial Purchaser. After deducting our estimated offering expenses, including the placement fee, we expect to receive net proceeds of approximately $18.6 million at the initial closing, and, if funded in full, approximately $18.9 million at the second closing.

The Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants will not be listed on any national securities exchange. Our common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Capital Market and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario, or the MTA, stock market in Italy under the symbol “CTIC.” On May 25, 2012, the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market was $0.91.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See the section entitled “Risk Factors’’ beginning on page S-11 of this prospectus supplement and in the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement to read about factors you should consider before investing in our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectuses are truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

This prospectus supplement is dated May 29, 2012.

---

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

 

		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT			S-1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			S-1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE			S-1
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			S-3
SUMMARY			S-4
RISK FACTORS			S-11
USE OF PROCEEDS			S-15
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE			S-16
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS			S-17
DIVIDEND POLICY			S-18
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES 15 PREFERRED STOCK			S-19
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			S-22
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			S-24
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			S-27
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS			S-30
LEGAL MATTERS			S-30

Prospectus dated February 16, 2011

 

		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE			2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			3
SUMMARY			4
RISK FACTORS			8
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS			9
USE OF PROCEEDS			9
DIVIDEND POLICY			9
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			10
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			13
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			20
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS			24
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS			24
LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES			25
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			29
LEGAL MATTERS			33
EXPERTS			33

---

Table of Contents

Prospectus dated October 25, 2011

 

		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE			2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			3
INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY			4
RISK FACTORS			4
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS			4
USE OF PROCEEDS			4
DIVIDEND POLICY			5
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			6
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			9
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			16
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS			20
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS			21
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			22
LEGAL MATTERS			26
EXPERTS			26

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectuses. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information.

We are not making an offer of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants (or the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and exercise and exchange of the warrants) covered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectuses and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of its respective date, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses, or of any sale of the Series 15 Preferred Stock (or shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock) and warrants (or the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon exercise and exchange of the warrants). You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectuses is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates thereof.

---

Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering of Series 15 Preferred Stock (and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock) and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectuses and the documents incorporated by reference. The second part is the accompanying prospectuses, which gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the information contained in the accompanying prospectuses or any document incorporated by reference, on the other hand, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.

You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectuses and the documents incorporated by reference before making an investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents we have referred you to in the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

The information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectuses is accurate only as of respective dates of the applicable documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

In this prospectus supplement, the terms “CTI,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Cell Therapeutics, Inc., a Washington corporation, and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, as amended. In accordance with the Exchange Act, we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us are available to the public free of charge at www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available on our website at www.celltherapeutics.com. With the exception of the reports specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement as set forth below, material contained on or accessible through our website is specifically not incorporated into this prospectus supplement. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference facilities by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses are part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses omit some information contained in the registration statement in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information and exhibits in the registration statement for further information about us and the securities being offered hereby. Statements in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectuses concerning any document we filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or that we otherwise filed with the SEC are not intended to be comprehensive and are qualified by reference to these filings. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

SEC rules allow us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses much of the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying

 

S-1

---

Table of Contents

prospectuses incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act (in each case, other than those documents or the portions of those documents deemed to be furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules) until the offering of the securities under the registration statement is terminated or completed:

 

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on March 8, 2012;

 

•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed with the SEC on April 20, 2012;

 

•

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2012 (Item 8.01 only), January 12, 2012, January 30, 2012 (Item 8.01 only), February 2, 2012, February 15, 2012 (Item 1.01 and Exhibit 10.1 only), February 17, 2012 (Item 8.01 only), April 24, 2012 (Items 1.01 and 3.02 and Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 only) and May 14, 2012 (Item 8.01 only); and

 

•

the description of our capital stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on June 27, 1996, as amended.

Because we are incorporating by reference future filings with the SEC, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses are continually updated and later information filed with the SEC may update and supersede some of the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses. This means that you must look at all of the SEC filings that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses or in any document previously incorporated by reference have been modified or superseded.

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owners, to whom this prospectus supplement is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses but not delivered with this prospectus supplement, excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. You may request a copy of these documents by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

501 Elliott Avenue West, Suite 400

Seattle, Washington 98119

(206) 282-7100

Attention: Investor Relations

As of June 1, 2012, you may request a copy of these documents by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

3101 Western Avenue, Suite 600

Seattle, Washington 98121

(206) 282-7100

Attention: Investor Relations

 

S-2

---

Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectuses and the documents incorporated by reference may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning the U.S. federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements,” including, without limitation:

 

•

any statements regarding future operations, plans, regulatory filings or approvals;

 

•

any projections of cash resources, revenues, operating expenses or other financial terms;

 

•

any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations or programs;

 

•

any statements concerning proposed new products or services;

 

•

any statements on plans regarding proposed or potential preclinical development, clinical trials or new drug filing strategies or timelines;

 

•

any statements regarding the ability of Pixuvri to prove safe and effective for the treatment of relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or NHL, and/or other tumors as determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and/or the European Commission and the European Medicines Agency, or the EMA;

 

•

any statements regarding the ability of tosedostat to prove safe and effective for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes as determined by the FDA and/or the EMA;

 

•

any statements regarding timing of or plan for the phase III clinical trial of tosedostat;

 

•

any statements regarding the ability of pacritinib to prove safe and effective for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis as determined by the FDA and/or the EMA, satisfy a medical need not currently addressed with existing non-selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitors, or be differentiated due to its high target selectivity;

 

•

any statements regarding the timing of and the completion of the acquisition of pacritinib from S*BIO Pte Ltd., a Singapore private limited company, or S*BIO, or the projected benefits of the acquisition of pacritinib from S*BIO, or our ability to implement our plans, strategies and objectives related to the acquisition and development of pacritinib from S*BIO;

 

•

any statements regarding the performance, or likely performance, or outcomes or economic benefit of any licensing or other agreement, including any agreement with Novartis International Pharmaceutical Ltd., or Norvartis, or its affiliates, or S*BIO Pte Ltd., including whether or not such partner will elect to participate, terminate or otherwise make elections under any such agreement or whether any regulatory authorizations required to enable such agreement will be obtained;

 

•

any statements regarding compliance with the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, or NASDAQ;

 

•

any statements regarding pending or future mergers or acquisitions; and

 

•

any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should” or “will” or the negative thereof, variations thereof and similar expressions. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such expectations or any of the forward-looking statements will prove to be correct, and actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risk factors described in the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Risk Factors.” All forward-looking statements and reasons why results may differ included in this prospectus supplement are made as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement or reason why actual results might differ, except to the extent required by law.

 

S-3

---

Table of Contents

 

S-4

---

Table of Contents

 

S-5

---

Table of Contents

 

S-6

---

Table of Contents

 

S-7

---

Table of Contents

 

S-8

---

Table of Contents

 

S-9

---

Table of Contents

 

S-10

---

Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

In addition to the risks described below, you should carefully consider the information under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 32 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on April 20, 2012, which information is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, and other information included in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectuses and reports we file from time to time with the SEC that we incorporate by reference herein for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of the identified risks actually occur, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or prospects and the trading price of our securities. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects and the trading price of our securities.

Risks Related to this Offering

There is no public market for the Series 15 Preferred Stock or warrants being offered in this offering.

There is no established public trading market the Series 15 Preferred Stock or warrants being offered in this offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply for listing of the Series 15 Preferred Stock or warrants on any securities exchange. Without an active market, the liquidity of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants will be limited.

Purchasers who convert their shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock into common stock or exercise or exchange their warrants for shares of our common stock will incur immediate dilution.

Upon conversion, exercise or exchange of your shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock or warrants, as the case may be, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution because the per share conversion price of your shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock and the exercise price of your warrants will be higher than the net tangible book value per share of the outstanding common stock immediately after this offering. In addition, you will experience dilution when we issue additional shares of common stock that we are permitted or required to issue under outstanding warrants and options under our stock option plan or other employee or director compensation plans.

Holders of the Series 15 Preferred Stock or warrants will have no rights as a holder of common stock until they acquire common stock.

Until you acquire shares of common stock upon conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock or exercise or exchange of the warrants, as the case may be, you will have no rights with respect to our common stock, other than the right of the convertible preferred stock to receive dividends equal to and on the same terms as dividends actually paid on common stock, including rights to vote or respond to tender offers. Upon conversion of your Series 15 Preferred Stock and/or exercise or exchange of your warrants, as the case may be, you will be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of common stock only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the conversion, exercise or exchange date, as applicable.

Since we have broad discretion in how we use the net proceeds from this offering, we may use the net proceeds in ways in which you disagree.

We will use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes. We may use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to fund possible investments in, or acquisitions of, complementary businesses, technologies or products. We plan to use approximately $15.7 million of the proceeds from this offering to finance the purchase price of certain assets of S*BIO and acquisition related expenses and fees. See “Use of Proceeds.” Except with respect to the purchase of assets from S*BIO, we have not allocated specific amounts of the net proceeds from this offering for any specific purpose. Accordingly, our management will have significant flexibility in applying the net proceeds of this offering. You will be relying on the judgment of our

 

S-11

---

Table of Contents

management with regard to the use of these net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. It is possible that the net proceeds will be invested in a way that does not yield a favorable, or any, return for our company. The failure of our management to use such funds effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flow.

Risks Related to Holders of our Common Stock

Shares of common stock are equity securities and are subordinate to our future indebtedness.

Shares of common stock are common equity interests. This means that our common stock ranks junior to the Series 15 Preferred Stock and any other preferred stock that we may issue in the future, to our indebtedness and to all creditor claims and other non-equity claims against us and our assets available to satisfy claims on us, including claims in a bankruptcy or similar proceeding. Our existing and future indebtedness and our preferred stock may restrict payment of dividends on our common stock.

Additionally, unlike indebtedness, where principal and interest customarily are payable on specified due dates, in the case of our common stock, (i) dividends are payable only when and if declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors, and (ii) as a corporation, we are restricted to making dividend payments and redemption payments out of legally available assets. We have never paid a dividend on our common stock and have no current intention to pay dividends in the future. Furthermore, our common stock places no restrictions on our business or operations or on our ability to incur indebtedness or engage in any transactions, subject only to the voting rights available to our shareholders generally.

The market price of shares of our common stock may be adversely affected by market conditions affecting the stock markets in general, including price and trading fluctuations on The NASDAQ Capital Market.

The market price of our common stock may be adversely affected by market conditions affecting the stock markets in general, including price and trading fluctuations on The NASDAQ Capital Market. These conditions may result in (i) volatility in the level of, and fluctuations in, the market prices of stocks generally and, in turn, our shares of common stock, and (ii) sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the market, in each case that could be unrelated or disproportionate to changes in our operating performance.

There may be future sales or other dilution of our equity, which may adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock.

We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock or preferred stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, shares of common stock or preferred stock, or any substantially similar securities. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement with S*BIO, we are required to issue $15 million of preferred stock convertible into shares of our common stock upon closing of that transaction, and expect to issue additional equity securities to fund our operating expenses as well as for other purposes. The market price of our shares of common stock or preferred stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock or preferred stock or similar securities in the market, or the perception that such sales could occur in the future. We cannot predict the effect that future sales of our common stock would have on the market price of our common stock.

The market price of shares of our common stock is extremely volatile, which may affect our ability to raise capital in the future and may subject the value of your investment in our securities to sudden decreases.

The market price for securities of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including ours, historically has been highly volatile, and the market from time to time has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. For example, during the 12-month period ended May 25, 2012, our stock price has ranged from a low of $0.82 to a high of $2.31.

 

S-12

---

Table of Contents

Fluctuations in the trading price or liquidity of our common stock may adversely affect the value of your investment in our common stock.

Factors that may have a significant impact on the market price and marketability of our securities include:

 

•

announcements by us or others of results of preclinical testing and clinical trials and regulatory actions;

 

•

announcements by us or others of serious adverse events that have occurred during treatment of patients following grant of conditional marketing authorization for Pixuvri in the European Union;

 

•

announcements of technological innovations or new commercial therapeutic products by us, our collaborative partners or our present or potential competitors;

 

•

our issuance of debt, equity or other securities, which we need to pursue in 2012 to generate additional funds to cover our current operating expenses;

 

•

our quarterly operating results;

 

•

developments or disputes concerning patent or other proprietary rights;

 

•

developments in our relationships with collaborative partners;

 

•

acquisitions or divestitures;

 

•

litigation and government proceedings;

 

•

adverse legislation, including changes in governmental regulation;

 

•

third-party reimbursement policies;

 

•

changes in securities analysts’ recommendations;

 

•

short selling;

 

•

changes in health care policies and practices;

 

•

halting or suspension of trading in our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market by NASDAQ or on the MTA by Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa, or CONSOB, or the Borsa Italiana;

 

•

economic and other external factors; and

 

•

general market conditions.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted. For example, in the case of our company, we and certain of our officers and directors are named as defendants in purported securities class action and shareholder derivative lawsuits brought on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of our securities from March 25, 2008 through March 22, 2010. These lawsuits seek unspecified damages and, as with any litigation proceeding, we cannot predict with certainty the eventual outcome of pending litigation. Furthermore, we may have to incur substantial expenses in connection with these lawsuits and our management’s attention and resources could be diverted from operating our business as we respond to the litigation. We maintain significant insurance to cover these risks for us and our directors and officers, but our insurance is subject to high deductibles to reduce premium expense, and there is no guarantee that the insurance will cover any specific claim that we currently face or may face in the future, or that it will be adequate to cover all potential liabilities and damages.

 

S-13

---

Table of Contents

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents, in our Shareholder Rights Agreement, or rights plan, and under Washington law could make removal of incumbent management or an acquisition of us, which may be beneficial to our shareholders, more difficult.

Provisions of our articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have the effect of deterring or delaying attempts by our shareholders to remove or replace management, to commence proxy contests, or to effect changes in control. These provisions include:

 

•

a classified board so that only approximately one third of our board of directors is elected each year;

 

•

elimination of cumulative voting in the election of directors;

 

•

procedures for advance notification of shareholder nominations and proposals;

 

•

the ability of our board of directors to amend our amended and restated bylaws without shareholder approval; and

 

•

the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock without shareholder approval upon the terms and conditions and with the rights, privileges and preferences as our board of directors may determine.

Pursuant to our rights plan, an acquisition of 20% or more of our common stock could result in the exercisability of the preferred stock purchase right accompanying each share of our common stock (except those held by a 20% shareholder, which become null and void), thereby entitling the holder to receive upon exercise, in lieu of a number of units of preferred stock, that number of shares of our common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right. The existence of our rights plan could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us and may inhibit a change in control that some, or a majority, of our shareholders might believe to be in their best interest or that could give our shareholders the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market prices for their shares.

In addition, as a Washington corporation, we are subject to Washington law which imposes restrictions on some transactions between a corporation and certain significant shareholders. These provisions, alone or together, could have the effect of deterring or delaying changes in incumbent management, proxy contests or changes in control.

 

S-14

---

Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering, after deducting placement agent fees and our estimated offering expenses, and excluding the proceeds, if any, from the exercise (if exercised in cash) of the warrants issued in this offering, will be approximately $18.6 million on the initial closing and $18.9 million on the second closing if completed in full.

We plan to use the net proceeds from this offering to finance the purchase price of the acquisition of certain assets of S*BIO, including acquisition related expenses and fees. We plan to use the remainder of the net proceeds from this offering for activities related to preparing for the commercial launch of Pixuvri in the European Union and for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, funding research and development, preclinical and clinical trials, the preparation and filing of new drug applications, the acquisition of complementary businesses, technologies or products and general working capital.

We cannot estimate precisely the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering among these uses, except that we expect to use approximately $15.7 million to finance the purchase price of certain assets of S*BIO. The amounts and timing of the expenditures for activities related to preparing for the commercial launch of Pixuvri in the European Union and general corporate purposes may vary significantly, depending on numerous factors, including the progress of our clinical trials and other development efforts, as well as the amount of cash used in our operations. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds of this offering. We reserve the right to change the use of proceeds as a result of certain contingencies such as competitive developments and other factors. Pending the uses described above, we may temporarily invest the net proceeds of this offering in short- and medium-term interest-bearing obligations, investment-grade instruments, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government.

 

S-15

---

Table of Contents

DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE

Prior to this offering, there was no public market for the Series 15 Preferred Stock or warrants. The terms and conditions of the Series 15 Preferred Stock, including the conversion price, and the warrants, including the exercise price were determined by negotiation between us and the Initial Purchaser. The principal factors considered in determining these terms and conditions include:

 

•

the market price of our common stock;

 

•

the information set forth in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectuses and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, and otherwise available to the Initial Purchaser;

 

•

our history and prospects and the history of, and prospects for, the industry in which we compete;

 

•

our past and present financial performance and an assessment of our management;

 

•

our prospects for future earnings and the present state of our development;

 

•

the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering;

 

•

the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded common stock of generally comparable companies; and

 

•

other factors deemed relevant by the Initial Purchaser and us.

 

S-16

---

Table of Contents

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated:

 

		Three months ended March 31,				Year ended December 31,
		2012				2011				2010				2009				2008				2007
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends(1)		—					—				—				—				—				—

 

 

(1)

Earnings were not sufficient to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. Earnings consist of income (loss) before provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest charges and that portion of rental payments under operating leases we believe to be representative of interest. Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, were insufficient to cover fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, by $17.4, $121.1, $147.6, $116.8 and $202.9 and $148.3 (in millions), respectively. For this reason, no ratios are provided for these periods.

 

S-17

---

Table of Contents

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not currently anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance operations. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, future prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

 

S-18

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF SERIES 15 PREFERRED STOCK

The material terms and provisions of the Series 15 Preferred Stock being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses are summarized below. Unless otherwise specified in this prospectus supplement, the terms of the Series 15 Preferred Stock issued in the initial closing and second closing are the same. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series 15 Preferred Stock set forth in the articles of amendment to our articles of incorporation to be filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K, which we expect to file with the SEC in connection with this offering.

Rank

The Series 15 Preferred Stock will, with respect to rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, rank senior to our common stock and, so long as at least 20% of the aggregate originally issued shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock are outstanding, we may not repay, repurchase or offer to repay or repurchase or otherwise acquire any material amount of common stock or other securities junior to the Series 15 Preferred Stock except for repurchases of up to 5,750,000 shares of common stock in any 12-month period from employees, officers, directors, consultants or others who perform services for us and who are subject to an agreement with us providing a right of repurchase of such shares at cost or on the occurrence of certain events, such as termination of employment. The Series 15 Preferred Stock ranks pari passu with our common stock with respect to dividends.

Dividends

Holders of Series 15 Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends on shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock equal (on an as if converted to common stock basis) to and in the same form as dividends actually paid on shares of our common stock or other junior securities. All declared but unpaid dividends on the Series 15 Preferred Stock shall increase the stated value of the Series 15 Preferred Stock, but when such dividends are actually paid such increase shall be rescinded.

Liquidation Preference

Upon our voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up, holders of the Series 15 Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive the stated value of such holder’s shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock of $1,000 per share plus any declared and unpaid dividends and other payments that may be due on the shares before the holders of common stock or any of our other junior securities receive any payments from such liquidation. In the event that the amount available for payment of this liquidation preference is less than the full amount of the stated value of all shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock then outstanding, the assets to be distributed to the holders of the Series 15 Preferred Stock will be ratably distributed among such holders in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such holder’s shares if the liquidation preference was paid in full.

Conversion

Optional Conversion

The Series 15 Preferred Stock shall be convertible at the option of the holders thereof at any time after issuance into the number of registered shares of common stock determined by dividing the aggregate stated value of the Series 15 Preferred Stock being converted by the conversion price then in effect. In the initial closing, we expect to issue 20,000 shares of Series 15-1 Preferred Stock (convertible into an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon conversion at a conversion price of $1.00 per share). The Initial Purchaser has also agreed to purchase 20,000 shares of Series 15-2 Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock on the 60^th day after the initial closing, in the second closing, subject to certain

 

S-19

---

Table of Contents

terms and conditions. The conversion price of the Series 15-2 Preferred Stock shall equal the closing bid price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market calculated one trading day prior to the date of the second closing, plus $0.08375. The initial conversion prices of the Series 15 Preferred Stock are subject to adjustment as described below. The right to convert the Series 15 Preferred Stock is limited by the beneficial ownership limitation described below.

Automatic Conversion

On the first to occur of (i) the one month anniversary of the original issuance date of the Series 15 Preferred Stock, (ii) the date on which 5,000 or less shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock remain outstanding or (iii) the adoption by our board of directors of a resolution that it intends to adopt an amendment to our articles of incorporation without shareholder approval to effect a reverse stock split with respect to our common stock in order to achieve compliance with the listing rules of The NASDAQ Capital Market or for other good faith business reasons, all outstanding shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock shall automatically convert into the number of registered shares of common stock determined by dividing the aggregate stated value of the Series 15 Preferred Stock being converted by the conversion price then in effect. This automatic conversion is limited by the beneficial ownership limitation described below.

Beneficial Ownership Limitation

We may not effect a conversion, and no holder may request conversion, of the Series 15 Preferred Stock to the extent, following such conversion, the holder and its affiliates would beneficially own more than 9.9% of our common stock. In addition, in the event of an automatic conversion, the conversion threshold will increase to 19.99% without any further action on the part of a holder. The amount of beneficial ownership of a holder and its affiliates will be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of that section.

Conversion Price Adjustment

Stock Dividends and Stock Splits. If we pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution payable in shares of common stock on shares of common stock or any common stock equivalents, subdivide or combine our outstanding common stock, or reclassify our common stock in such a way that we issue additional shares of our capital stock, the conversion price will be adjusted by multiplying the then-existing conversion price by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares outstanding immediately before the distribution, dividend, adjustment or recapitalization and the denominator of which is the number of shares outstanding immediately after such action.

Rights Offerings. If we issue rights, options or warrants to holders of common stock giving such holders a right to subscribe for or purchase shares of common stock at a price per share lower than the volume weighted average price of the common stock on the record date for such issuance and do not offer the same rights to the holders of the Series 15 Preferred Stock, the conversion price will be adjusted to reflect the rights offering by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares outstanding before such record date plus the number of shares which the aggregate offering price (assuming full subscription) would purchase at the volume weighted average price of the common stock on such record date and the denominator of which is the number of shares of common stock outstanding on the record date plus the aggregate number of shares offered for subscription or purchase.

Pro Rata Distributions. If we distribute (other than as a dividend) evidences of our indebtedness, assets (including cash or cash dividends), warrants or other rights to subscribe for our securities (other than common stock) to the holders of common stock, then the conversion price will be adjusted by multiplying the conversion price in effect immediately prior to the record date for such distribution by a fraction, the numerator of which is the volume weighted average price of the common stock on such record date minus the fair market value at such

 

S-20

---

Table of Contents

record date of the distributed evidence of indebtedness, asset, warrant or other right applicable to one share of common stock, such fair market value to be determined by the board in good faith, and the denominator of which is the volume weighted average price of the common stock on such record date.

Fundamental Transaction. If we effect a “fundamental transaction” (as defined below), then upon any future conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock, the holders will have the right to receive, for each share of common stock they would have received upon such conversion, the same kind and amount of securities, cash or property as such holder would have been entitled to receive in the transaction had it been the holder of a share of common stock immediately prior to the transaction. The term “fundamental transaction” means any of the following:

 

•

a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity in which the Company is not the surviving entity;

 

•

the sale of all or substantially all of our assets in one transaction or a series of related transactions (provided, however, that a “fundamental transaction” shall not include us entering into a license or other agreement that licenses any intellectual property to an unaffiliated and unrelated person so long as we and our subsidiaries continue to have bona fide, substantial and continuing business operations and activities after such license or other agreement is entered into);

 

•

any completed tender offer or exchange offer allowing holders of common stock to tender or exchange their shares for cash, property or securities, regardless of who makes such offer; or

 

•

any reclassification of common stock or any compulsory share exchange by which common stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property (but not a reverse stock split).

If the holders of common stock are given a choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a fundamental transaction, the holders of Series 15 Preferred Stock will be given the same choice on conversion of such holder’s shares.

Voting Rights

The Series 15 Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights, except to the extent expressly provided in our articles of incorporation or as otherwise required by law. However, so long as at least 20% of the aggregate initially issued shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock are outstanding, we cannot take any of the following actions without the affirmative consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding Series 15 Preferred Stock:

 

•

amend our articles of incorporation, bylaws or other charter documents in each case so as to materially, specifically and adversely affect the rights of any holder with respect to the Series 15 Preferred Stock;

 

•

repay, repurchase or offer to repay or repurchase or otherwise acquire any of our common stock, common stock equivalents or securities junior to the Series 15 Preferred Stock, except the repurchase of up to 5,750,000 shares of common stock in any 12-month period from employees, officers, directors, consultants or others performing services for us or any of our subsidiaries under agreements approved by a majority of our board of directors or under which we have the option to repurchase such shares at cost or at cost on the occurrence of certain events such as termination of employment;

 

•

authorize or create any class of senior preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or liquidation preference; or

 

•

enter into any agreement or understanding to take any of the actions listed above.

 

S-21

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

The material terms and provisions of the warrants being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses are summarized below. Unless otherwise specified in this prospectus supplement, the terms of the warrants issued in the initial closing and second closing are the same. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the terms set forth in the Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock to be filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K, which we expect to file with the SEC in connection with this offering.

General

As of May 25, 2012, other warrants to purchase approximately 35.1 million shares of common stock were outstanding.

Exercise Price. In the initial closing, each warrant to purchase shares of our common stock will have an exercise price of $1.092 per share. In the second closing, the exercise price of the warrants will equal a 20% premium to the closing bid price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market calculated one trading day prior to the date of the second closing.

Exercise Period. The warrants issued in this offering are exercisable beginning on or after the date of issuance and expire five years after the date of issuance.

Exercise. The warrants will be exercisable, at the option of the holder, upon payment in cash of the exercise price of the shares of common stock being acquired upon exercise of the warrants. However, if at the time of exercise there is no effective registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants to the holder and all such shares are not then registered for resale by the holder, the holder may exercise the warrants by means of a “cashless exercise” or “net exercise,” in which case the holder would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the warrant. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a warrant, but rather the number of shares of common stock to be issued will be rounded to the nearest whole-number.

Adjustments. The exercise prices are subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our common stock. The holders of the warrants are entitled to notice no later than the later of (i) at least 15 days prior to the date on which we close our books or set a record date for such event, as applicable, and (ii) the date we make a public announcement with respect to certain distributions to holders of our common stock.

Fundamental Transactions. If certain “fundamental transactions” occur, such as a merger, consolidation, sale of substantially all of our assets, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer with respect to our common stock or reclassification of our common stock, the holders of the warrants will be entitled to receive thereafter upon exercise of the warrants in lieu of our common stock, the consideration (if different from common stock) that the holders of the warrants would have been entitled to receive upon the occurrence of the “fundamental transaction” as if the warrant had been exercised immediately before the “fundamental transaction.” If any holder of common stock is given a choice of consideration to be received in the “fundamental transaction,” then the holders of the warrants shall be given the same choice upon the exercise of the warrants following the “fundamental transaction.”

Exchange of Warrant. If at any time the closing bid price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market calculated one trading day prior to the date the holder elects to exchange the warrant is less than the exercise price of the warrant, the holder of such warrant will be entitled to exchange any portion of the warrant for shares of our common stock determined according to a specified Black-Scholes valuation formula set forth in the warrant subject to certain limitations. We may instead elect to pay all or some of such value in cash. If we elect not to pay in cash, are unable to issue sufficient shares without shareholder approval and have not obtained

 

S-22

---

Table of Contents

shareholder approval by the later of (i) 60 days after an exchange notice is received and (ii) 110 days after the initial closing, we will issue a note for the unpaid portion of the value payable one year thereafter or in connection with our next funding event (after the second closing), if earlier. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exchange of a warrant, but rather the number of shares of common stock to be issued will be rounded to the nearest whole-number.

Company Issuance Limitations. We are not obligated to issue any shares under a warrant if (i) the issuance of such shares could result in us being deemed to issue (or to have issued) shares in a transaction that is not at or above market under the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, (ii) such issuance, together with all prior issues that are deemed to be aggregated under the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, in the aggregate would equal or exceed 20% of our shares outstanding shares as of the date prior to the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement or (iii) such issuance would otherwise violate our obligations under the rules or regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market, the exchange cap, except that such limitation shall not apply in the event that we obtain the approval of our stockholders as required by the applicable rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market for issuances of shares of common stock in excess of such amount. In such event and at the request of a warrant holder, we agree to undertake reasonable best efforts to obtain stockholder approval of the issuance of such warrant shares within the later of (i) sixty (60) calendar days of the date of any properly delivered exercise notice or exchange notice that would, if honored, violate the exchange cap or the company issuance limit or (ii) one hundred ten calendar days from the first closing date. Until such approval is obtained, no holder shall be issued warrant shares to the extent such issuance would result in us exceeding the exchange cap or the company issuance limit described below. In no event will we be required to take any action pursuant to this warrant, including issuing any securities hereunder or making any payments hereunder, if it would require stockholder approval under The NASDAQ Stock Market or any other trading market on which we are then listed and such approval has not been obtained, including, without limitation, in no event will we be required to issue warrant shares pursuant to this warrant to the extent that the issuance would exceed the company issuance limit, except to the extent stockholder approval would permit such issuance and such stockholder approval has been obtained. The company issuance limit means an aggregate number of shares of common stock issued or issuable to the holder (including shares of common stock issued or issuable upon conversion of Preferred Shares and exercise or exchange of any other warrant issued to the holder pursuant to the Purchase Agreement) equal to the lesser of: (i) after aggregation under the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market with any other shares issued by us, 19.99% of the shares of common stock outstanding on the date immediately preceding the date of the Purchase Agreement, and (ii) after aggregation with the shares issued or issuable in connection with an acquisition, 19.99% of the shares of common stock outstanding prior to entering into an agreement to consummate an acquisition

Mandatory Exercise. If, at any time after the issuance date of the warrants and after all purchases and sales of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants in this offering have been consummated or all rights or obligations to consummate such purchases and sales have been terminated in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, our common stock trades at a price greater than 20% above the exercise price of the warrants (as adjusted for stock splits, stock combinations and the like occurring from and after the issuance date of the warrants) for 20 consecutive trading dates and with an average daily trading volume (on all markets on which our common stock is listed) during such 20 consecutive trading days of at least $2,000,000, then, subject to certain exceptions, we have the right to require the holders of the warrants to exercise all, but not less than all, of the warrants for cash in accordance with the terms of the warrants.

No Public Market. The warrants will not be listed on any national securities exchange. The warrants may not be transferred, except to an affiliate of the initial purchaser, without our consent.

Beneficial Ownership Limitation

No holder may exercise or exchange its warrants to the extent that the exercise or exchange, as applicable, would result in the holder and its affiliates beneficially owning more than 9.9% of our common stock. The amount of beneficial ownership of the holder and its affiliates will be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of that section.

 

S-23

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and all applicable provisions of Washington law.

General

We are authorized to issue 383,333,333 shares of common stock, no par value (as adjusted to reflect the 1-for-6 reverse stock split effected on May 15, 2011), and 1,666,666 shares of preferred stock, no par value. As of May 25, 2012 there were 227,712,286 shares of common stock outstanding, warrants to purchase approximately 35,088,958 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. In addition, as of May 25, 2012, 2,470,763 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our equity compensation plans, 225,974 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan and 65 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding restricted share rights, as well as 15,000 shares of preferred stock reserved for issuance to S*BIO upon the closing of the purchase of certain assets from S*BIO and 136,628 shares of Series ZZ Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our shareholders’ rights plan.

On April 15, 2007, we effected a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our common stock, on August 31, 2008, we effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock and, on May 15, 2011, we effected a 1-for-6 reverse stock split of our common stock.

Common Stock

Each holder of common stock is generally entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders and there are no cumulative voting rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, that are declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share in our assets remaining after the payment of liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of Series 15 Preferred Stock, as well as any other series of preferred stock that we may designate in the future.

General Description of Preferred Stock

Our board of directors has the authority, without action by the shareholders, to designate and issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which may be greater than the rights of the common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effects of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of the common stock until our board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of the particular preferred stock. However, the effects could include, among other things:

 

•

restricting dividends on the common stock;

 

•

diluting the voting power of the common stock;

 

•

impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or

 

•

delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company without further action by the shareholders.

 

S-24

---

Table of Contents

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Washington Law, Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and Our Rights Plan

Washington law contains certain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company. Chapter 23B.19 of the Washington Business Corporation Act prohibits us, with certain exceptions, from engaging in certain significant business transactions with an “acquiring person” (defined generally as a person or group of persons who acquire 10% or more of our voting securities) for a period of five years following the acquiring person’s share acquisition date. The prohibited transactions include, among others, a merger or consolidation with, disposition of assets to, or issuance or redemption of stock to or from, the acquiring person, or any other receipt by the acquiring person of a disproportionate benefit as a shareholder. Exceptions to this statutory prohibition include approval of the transaction at a shareholders meeting by holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the transaction, not counting shares as to which the acquiring person has beneficial ownership or voting control, transactions approved by the board of directors prior to the acquiring person first becoming an acquiring person or a merger, share exchange, consolidation, liquidation, distribution or certain other significant business transactions entered into with the acquiring person where certain requirements regarding the fairness of the consideration to be received by the shareholders have been met. We may not exempt ourselves from coverage of this statute. These statutory provisions may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company.

Our board of directors is divided into three approximately equal classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. In addition, our articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed from office only at a meeting of the shareholders called expressly for that purpose and only for “cause.” Our articles of incorporation limit “cause” to willful misfeasance having a material adverse effect on us or conviction of a felony, provided that any action by a director shall not constitute “cause” if, in good faith, the director believed the action to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests or if the director is entitled to be indemnified with respect to such action under applicable law, our articles of incorporation or bylaws or a contract with us. Further, our bylaws require a shareholder to provide notice to us of such shareholder’s intention to nominate a person or persons for election as directors not later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting or, in the case of an election to be held at a special meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors, the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to shareholders. A shareholder must also provide us with notice of such shareholder’s intent to make any proposal at an annual meeting of shareholders not later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting of shareholders. These provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying a change in control of our management.

On December 28, 2009, we entered into our rights plan with Computershare Trust Company, N.A. as rights agent. In connection with our rights plan, one preferred stock purchase right was distributed for each common share held as of the close of business on January 7, 2010. Initially, the rights are not exercisable and are attached to, and trade with, all of the shares of common stock outstanding as of, and issued subsequent to, the record date (as defined in the rights plan). As adjusted in connection with our 1-for-6 reverse stock split effected on May 15, 2011, each right, if and when it becomes exercisable, will entitle the holder to purchase six ten-thousandths of a share of Series ZZ Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock for $36.00, subject to standard adjustment in the rights plan. Upon the acquisition of 20% or more of our common stock by a person or group, subject to certain exceptions (such acquisition referred to herein as a 20% acquisition), the rights will become exercisable for our preferred stock, except for those rights held by such 20% acquirer, which will become null and void. Upon a 20% acquisition, the holder of an exercisable right will be entitled to receive, upon exercise, in lieu of preferred stock, that number of shares of common stock, or in certain circumstances, including if there are insufficient shares of common stock to permit the exercise in full of the rights, preferred stock, other securities, cash, property or a reduction in the exercise price of the rights, or any combination of the foregoing, having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right.

 

S-25

---

Table of Contents

If we are acquired in a merger, consolidation or certain other business combination transactions after a 20% acquisition, each holder of an exercisable right would then have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock of the acquiring company having a market value equal to two times the exercise price of the right.

Our board of directors may redeem the rights for $0.0006 per right or amend the rights plan at any time prior to a 20% acquisition or the expiration of the rights plan. The rights plan will expire on January 7, 2013, unless the rights are previously redeemed or exchanged by us.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

S-26

---

Table of Contents

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We are offering through $40,00,000 of shares of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants (and the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and exercise or exchange of the warrants) to the Initial Purchaser, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement.

We expect to initially issue 20,000 shares of the Series 15-1 Preferred Stock (convertible into an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon conversion at a conversion price of $1.00 per share) and warrants to purchase up to 13,333,332 shares of common stock with an exercise price per share of $1.092, on or around May 29, 2012, or the initial closing, for gross proceeds of $20,000,000.

Subject to certain terms and conditions, the Initial Purchaser has also agreed to purchase and we have agreed to sell 20,000 shares of the Series 15-2 Preferred Stock, and warrants to purchase shares of common stock in the second closing for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. The exercise price of the warrants issued in the second closing will equal a 20% premium to the closing bid price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market calculated one trading day prior to the date of the second closing. The conversion price of the Series 15-2 Preferred Stock shall equal the closing bid price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market calculated one trading day prior to the date of the second closing, plus $0.08375. We and the Initial Purchaser have agreed to complete the second closing 60 days after the date of the initial closing.

In the event that on the date of the second closing, funding the entire $20,000,000 would cause the Initial Purchaser to own more than 9.9% of our common stock, (excluding other shares beneficially owned by the Initial Purchaser) or would cause us to violate certain issuance restrictions, the Initial Purchaser has agreed to fund a minimum of $10,000,000 and in any event will fund the maximum amount the Initial Purchaser can fund under these restrictions. We will be subject to restrictions on the sale of securities through 60 days after the date of the second closing, subject to certain exceptions. If the Initial Purchaser is unable to fund the entire remaining unfunded balance of the $20,000,000 within 30 days from the second closing, we will not be subject to any restriction on the issuance of additional securities upon the expiration of such 30 day period. We may terminate the agreement if required to maintain our compliance with NASDAQ requirements.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses also cover the sale of these securities by the Initial Purchaser to the public. The Initial Purchaser is an “underwriter” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act and any profits on the sales of our securities by the Initial Purchaser and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by the Initial Purchaser may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions.

The Initial Purchaser has agreed that for so long as the Initial Purchaser or any of its affiliates holds any of the securities issued in this offering, neither the Initial Purchaser nor any of its affiliates will, without our prior written consent, (a) vote any shares of our common stock owned or controlled by it, solicit any proxies, or seek to advise or influence any person or entity with respect to any of our voting securities (other than with respect to votes to increase the number of our authorized shares), (b) engage or participate in certain actions, plans or proposals related to the Company as set forth the Purchase Agreement, (c) request that we or our directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives amend or waive any of these restrictions or (d) directly or indirectly, on its or their own behalf or pursuant to any understanding with any person or entity, execute or agree to execute any “short sales” of our securities or derivatives or any transaction that would have the effect of any “short sales” of our securities or derivatives.

On May 28, 2012, we entered into a letter agreement with the placement agent to serve as exclusive placement agent for the Initial Purchaser of our securities for a period of 90 days. We will pay a placement agent fee of 5% of the gross proceeds raised at each of the initial closing and second closing to Halcyon Cabot Partners,

 

S-27

---

Table of Contents

Ltd., as the sole placement agent for the issuance of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants to the Initial Purchaser. After deducting our estimated offering expenses, including the placement fee, we expect to receive net proceeds of approximately $18.6 million at the initial closing, and, if funded in full, approximately $18.9 million at the second closing.

We have agreed to pay the Initial Purchaser $70,000 for expenses, which includes legal fees, incurred in connection with the offering. Assuming the second closing is completed in full, the estimated offering expenses payable by us, excluding the placement agency fee, are $0.5 million, which include legal, accounting and printing costs, and various other fees associated with registering and listing the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock or exercise of the warrants.

We have agreed to indemnify the placement agent against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We may also be required to contribute to payments the placement agent may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

As underwriters, the placement agent and any broker-dealer or agent acting on its behalf would be required to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act and Rule 10b-5 and Regulation M under the Exchange Act. These rules and regulations may limit the timing of purchases and sales of securities by the placement agent or any broker-dealer or agent. Under these rules and regulations, the placement agent and any broker-dealer or agent acting on its behalf:

 

•

may not engage in any stabilization activity in connection with our securities;

 

•

must furnish each broker which offers securities covered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses with the number of copies of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses that are required by each broker; and

 

•

may not bid for or purchase any of our securities or attempt to induce any person to purchase any of our securities, other than as permitted under the Exchange Act, until it has completed its participation in the distribution.

The placement agent has informed us that it does not intend to engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions or syndicate covering transactions in connection with this offering.

A prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by the placement agent and the placement agent may distribute the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses electronically.

The letter agreement with the placement agent and the Purchase Agreement will be included as exhibits to a Current Report on Form 8-K that will be filed with the SEC in connection with this offering.

Lock-Up Agreement

For a period commencing on the date of the initial closing through 60 days after the second closing, we have agreed that neither we nor any subsidiary will, without the prior written consent of the Initial Purchaser, (i) directly or indirectly, issue, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock or file any registration statement under the Securities Act (other than a registration statement on Form S-8, a post-effective registration statement to terminate or amend an effective registration statement, a resale registration statement for shares issued in connection with an acquisition or other business combination, a shelf registration statement, or a registration statement on Form S-4, or a registration statement pursuant to Rule

 

S-28

---

Table of Contents

462(b)) with respect to any of the foregoing, or (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of our common stock, whether any such swap or transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; provided, however, that nothing in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) shall be construed as limiting our ability to negotiate and/or otherwise prepare to consummate a transaction following the expiration of the restricted period so long as such transaction is not publicly announced prior to the expiration of the restricted period. The lock-up agreement does not apply to (a) the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants (including any shares of common stock issued to the placement agent) to be issued and sold hereunder or issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof, (b) issuances of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion or exchange of currently outstanding convertible notes, (c) issuances of shares of common stock upon the exercise or exchange of warrants outstanding as of the date hereof or amendments to the warrant agreements related thereto, (d) granting options or other securities under our incentive compensation and equity incentive plans existing on the date hereof or issuances of shares of common stock issuable in connection with awards thereunder as of the date hereof, (g) issuances of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to agreements in effect as of the date hereof or amendments related thereto, (h) issuances of shares of common stock in connection with strategic acquisitions, (i) issuances of shares common stock to fund tax withholding obligations about the vesting of outstanding incentive awards or (j) issuances of shares of common stock subject to shareholder approval, provided, however, that in the case of clauses (b) and (c) above, no shares of common stock shall be issued as a result of an amendment to such securities after the date hereof and prior to the expiration of the lock-up period. This lock-up agreement shall not apply if (i) the shares of our common stock is trading at a price, on the 45^th day from the date of the second closing, that is equal to, or greater than, 90% of the price of the shares of our common stock on the date of the second closing or (ii) if the Initial Purchaser fails to purchase the full $40 million within 30 days after the second closing date.

 

S-29

---

Table of Contents

CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

All purchasers of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and warrants in this offering are advised to consult their own tax advisors regarding the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, conversion, exercise or exchange, as the case may be, and disposition of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and the ownership and disposition of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series 15 Preferred Stock and exercise and exchange of the warrants in their particular situations.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by O’Melveny & Myers LLP of San Francisco, California. Certain legal matters relating to Washington law will be passed upon for us by Karr Tuttle Campbell of Seattle, Washington.

 

S-30

---

Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS

 

$150,000,000

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

Rights

Units

 

 

From time to time, we may offer and sell in one or more offerings:

 

•

shares of our common stock;

 

•

shares of our preferred stock;

 

•

debt securities;

 

•

warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities;

 

•

rights to purchase common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities; and

 

•

units consisting of two or more of these classes or series of securities.

We may offer these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of each offering thereof. Each time we offer securities using this prospectus, we will provide specific terms of the securities and the offering in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements may also add to, update or change the information in this prospectus and will also describe the specific manner in which we will offer the securities. The securities may be offered and sold by us to or through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, or directly to purchasers on a continuous or delayed basis. See “Plan of Distribution.”

This prospectus may not be used by us to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. You should carefully read this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, including the information incorporated by reference, prior to investing in any of our securities.

Our common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Capital Market and on the MTA stock market in Italy under the symbol “CTIC.” On February 14, 2011, the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market was $0.34. We do not expect our preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, rights or units to be listed on any securities exchange or over-the-counter market unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See the “Risk Factors” section contained in this prospectus and in the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus to read about factors you should consider before investing in our securities.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is February 16, 2011

---

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE			2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			3
SUMMARY			4
RISK FACTORS			8
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS			9
USE OF PROCEEDS			9
DIVIDEND POLICY			9
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			10
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			13
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			20
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS			24
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS			24
LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES			25
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			29
LEGAL MATTERS			33
EXPERTS			33

 

i

---

Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, rights, units, or any combination of these securities, in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell any securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. Any prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus.

You should read this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, any documents that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement, and the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information” before making an investment decision. You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any documents we incorporate by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

In this prospectus, the terms “CTI,” “Company,” “registrant,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Cell Therapeutics, Inc., a Washington corporation, and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. In accordance with the Exchange Act, we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us are available to the public free of charge at www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available on our website at www.celltherapeutics.com. You may also read and copy any document we file at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference facilities by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

Because our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market, you may also inspect such reports, proxy statements and other information concerning us at the offices of The NASDAQ Stock Market, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC. This prospectus omits some information contained in the registration statement in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information and exhibits in the registration statement for further information about us and the securities we are offering. Statements in this prospectus concerning any document we filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or that we otherwise filed with the SEC are not intended to be comprehensive and are qualified by reference to these filings. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.

 

1

---

Table of Contents

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

SEC rules allow us to “incorporate by reference” in this prospectus much of the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act (in each case, other than those documents or the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed) until the offering of the securities under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part is terminated or completed:

 

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010;

 

•

our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 18, 2011 (excluding Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1), as amended by our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on January 28, 2011; and

 

•

the description of our capital stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on June 27, 1996, including any amendment or reports filed for the purpose of updating that description.

Because we are incorporating by reference future filings with the SEC, this prospectus is continually updated and those future filings may modify or supersede some of the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. This means that you must look at all of the SEC filings that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this prospectus or in any document previously incorporated by reference have been modified or superseded.

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owners, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus, excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. You may request a copy of these documents by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

501 Elliott Avenue West, Suite 400

Seattle, Washington 98119

(206) 282-7100

Attention: Investor Relations

 

2

---

Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any documents we incorporate by reference herein or therein may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of these provisions, including, without limitation:

 

•

any projections of cash resources, revenues, operating expenses or other financial terms;

 

•

any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations or programs;

 

•

and statements concerning proposed new products or services;

 

•

any statements regarding future operations, plans, regulatory filings or approvals;

 

•

any statements on plans regarding proposed or potential clinical trials or new drug filing strategies or timelines;

 

•

any statements regarding compliance with the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, or NASDAQ;

 

•

any statements regarding pending or future mergers or acquisitions; and

 

•

any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should” or “will” or the negative thereof or other comparable terms. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such expectations or any of the forward-looking statements will prove to be correct, and actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the risk factors described in the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” and in the documents incorporated herein by reference. All forward-looking statements and reasons why results may differ included in this prospectus are made as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement or reason why actual results might differ, except to the extent required by law.

 

3

---

Table of Contents

 

4

---

Table of Contents

 

5

---

Table of Contents

 

6

---

Table of Contents

 

7

---

Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2011, which information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and the additional risks and other information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of the identified risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or prospects and the trading price of our securities. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects and the trading price of our securities.

 

8

---

Table of Contents

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED

CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated:

 

		Year ended December 31,
		2010				2009				2008				2007				2006
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1)			—				—				—				—				—
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (1)			—				—				—				—				—

 

(1)

Earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed charges or combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated. Earnings consist of income (loss) before provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest charges and that portion of rental payments under operating leases we believe to be representative of interest. Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were insufficient to cover fixed charges, and fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, by $147.6, $116.8, $202.9, $148.3 and $135.8 (in millions), respectively. For this reason, no ratios are provided for these periods.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any of our securities for general corporate purposes, unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement. We may temporarily invest funds that we do not immediately use in short- and medium-term marketable securities.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not currently anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance operations. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

Our outstanding shares of Series 8 Preferred Stock are entitled to annual dividends at a rate of 10% per annum from the date of issuance, payable in the form of additional shares of Series 8 Preferred Stock. See “Description of Capital Stock—General Description of Preferred Stock—Series 8 Preferred Stock.”

 

9

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended, our amended and restated bylaws and all applicable provisions of Washington law.

General

We are authorized to issue 1,200,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value. As of February 14, 2011, there were 900,799,566 shares of common stock outstanding, warrants to purchase approximately 91,183,529 shares of common stock outstanding and 25,000 shares of our Series 8 Preferred Stock outstanding.

On April 15, 2007, we effected a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our common stock and on August 31, 2008, we effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock.

Common Stock

Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders and there are no cumulative voting rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, that are declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share in our assets remaining after the payment of liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate in the future.

General Description of Preferred Stock

Our board of directors has the authority, without action by the shareholders, to designate and issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which may be greater than the rights of the common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effects of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of the common stock until our board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of this preferred stock. However, the effects might include, among other things:

 

•

restricting dividends on the common stock;

 

•

diluting the voting power of the common stock;

 

•

impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or

 

•

delaying or preventing a change in control of our company without further action by the shareholders.

Series 8 Preferred Stock

As of February 14, 2011, there were 25,000 shares of our Series 8 Preferred Stock outstanding. The Series 8 Preferred Stock is entitled to annual dividends at a rate of 10% per annum from the date of issuance, payable in the form of additional shares of Series 8 Preferred Stock. Each share of Series 8 Preferred Stock is entitled to a liquidation preference equal to the initial stated value of $1,000 per share of Series 8 Preferred Stock, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, before any distribution of assets may be made to holders of capital stock ranking

 

10

---

Table of Contents

junior to the Series 8 Preferred Stock. The Series 8 Preferred Stock is not convertible into common stock but is redeemable, at our option, at any time after issuance, either in cash or by offset against recourse notes fully secured with marketable securities. The Series 8 Preferred Stock has no voting rights except as otherwise

expressly provided in the articles of amendment to our amended and restated articles of incorporation or as otherwise required by law. However, so long as at least 8,000 or more originally issued shares of Series 8 Preferred Stock are outstanding, we cannot amend our amended and restated articles of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws or other charter documents so as to materially, specifically and adversely affect the rights of the Series 8 Preferred Stock or authorize or create any class of senior preferred stock, in each case without the affirmative written consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series 8 Preferred Stock.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Washington Law, Our Charter and Bylaws and Our Rights Plan

Washington law contains certain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company. Chapter 23B.19 of the Washington Business Corporation Act prohibits us, with certain exceptions, from engaging in certain significant business transactions with an “acquiring person” (defined as a person or group of persons who acquire 10% or more of our voting securities without the prior approval of our board of directors) for a period of five years following the acquiring person’s share acquisition date. The prohibited transactions include, among others, a merger or consolidation with, disposition of assets to, or issuance or redemption of stock to or from, the acquiring person, or otherwise allowing the acquiring person to receive a disproportionate benefit as a shareholder. Exceptions to this statutory prohibition include approval of the transaction at a shareholders meeting by holders of not less than two-thirds of the shares held by each voting group entitled to vote on the transaction, not counting shares as to which the acquiring person has beneficial ownership or voting control, transactions approved by our board of directors prior to the acquiring person first becoming an acquiring person or, with respect to a merger, share exchange, consolidation, liquidation or distribution entered into with the acquiring person, transactions where certain other requirements regarding the fairness of the consideration to be received by the shareholders have been met. We may not exempt ourselves from coverage of this statute. These statutory provisions may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company.

Our board of directors is divided into three approximately equal classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. In addition, our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed from office only at a meeting of the shareholders called expressly for that purpose and only for “cause.” Our amended and restated articles of incorporation limit “cause” to willful misfeasance having a material adverse effect on us or conviction of a felony, provided that any action by a director shall not constitute “cause” if, in good faith, the director believed the action to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests or if the director is entitled to be indemnified with respect to such action under applicable law, our amended and restated articles of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws or a contract with us. Further, our amended and restated bylaws require a shareholder to provide notice to us of such shareholder’s intention to nominate a person or persons for election as directors not later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting or, in the case of an election to be held at a special meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors, the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to shareholders. A shareholder must also provide us with notice of such shareholder’s intent to make any proposal at an annual meeting of shareholders not later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting of shareholders. These may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying change in control of our management.

In connection with our rights plan, one preferred stock purchase right was distributed for each common share held as of the close of business on January 7, 2010. Initially, the rights are not exercisable and are attached to, and trade with, all of the shares of our common stock outstanding as of, and issued subsequent to, the record date. Each right, if and when it becomes exercisable, will entitle the holder to purchase one ten-thousandth of a share of a new series of junior participating cumulative preferred stock for $6.00, subject to standard adjustment in the rights plan. The rights will become exercisable for our preferred stock if a person or group acquires 20% or more

 

11

---

Table of Contents

of our common stock. Upon acquisition of 20% or more of our common stock, the board of directors could decide that each right (except those held by a 20% shareholder, which become null and void) would become exercisable, entitling the holder to receive upon exercise, in lieu of a number of units of preferred stock, that number of shares of our common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right. In certain circumstances, including if there are insufficient shares of our common stock to permit the exercise in full of the rights, the holder may receive units of preferred stock, other securities, cash or property or any combination of the foregoing.

If we are acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction after any such event, each holder of a right, except those held by a 20% shareholder, which become null and void, would then have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock of the acquiring company having a market value equal to two times the exercise price of the right.

Our board of directors may redeem the rights for $0.0001 per right or terminate the rights plan at any time prior to an acquisition by a person or group holding 20% or more of our common stock. The rights plan will expire on January 7, 2013.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

12

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future debt securities we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.

The debt securities may be either secured or unsecured and will either be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. We will issue the senior notes under the senior indenture which we will enter into with one or more trustees. We will issue the subordinated notes under the subordinated indenture which we will enter into with one or more trustees. We have filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We use the term “indentures” to refer to both the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture.

The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. We use the term “debenture trustee” to refer to either the senior trustee or the subordinated trustee, as applicable.

The following summaries of the material provisions of the senior notes, the subordinated notes and the indentures are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the debt securities that we sell under this prospectus, as well as the complete indentures that contain the terms of the debt securities. Except as we may otherwise indicate, the terms of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are identical.

General

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms relating to a series of debt securities, including, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the title;

 

•

the principal amount being offered and, if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount outstanding;

 

•

any limit on the amount that may be issued;

 

•

whether or not we will issue the series of debt securities in global form and, if so, the terms and who the depositary will be;

 

•

the maturity date;

 

•

the principal amount due at maturity and whether the debt securities will be issued with any original issue discount;

 

•

whether and under what circumstances, if any, we will pay additional amounts on any debt securities held by a person who is not a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and whether we can redeem the debt securities if we have to pay such additional amounts;

 

•

the annual interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, or the method for determining the rate, the date interest will begin to accrue, the dates interest will be payable and the regular record dates for interest payment dates or the method for determining such dates;

 

•

whether or not the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt;

 

•

whether or not the debt securities will be senior or subordinated, and the terms of the subordination of any series of subordinated debt;

 

13

---

Table of Contents

•

the place where payments will be payable;

 

•

restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment, if any;

 

•

our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of any such deferral period;

 

•

the date, if any, after which, the conditions upon which, and the price at which we may, at our option, redeem the series of debt securities pursuant to any optional or provisional redemption provisions, and any other applicable terms of those redemption provisions;

 

•

provisions for a sinking fund, purchase or other analogous fund, if any;

 

•

the date, if any, on which, and the price at which we are obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provisions or otherwise, to redeem, or at the holder’s option to purchase, the series of debt securities;

 

•

whether the indenture will restrict our ability and/or the ability of our subsidiaries to:

 

•

incur additional indebtedness;

 

•

issue additional securities;

 

•

create liens;

 

•

pay dividends and make distributions in respect of our capital stock and the capital stock of our subsidiaries;

 

•

redeem capital stock;

 

•

place restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, make distributions or transfer assets;

 

•

make investments or other restricted payments;

 

•

sell or otherwise dispose of assets;

 

•

enter into sale-leaseback transactions;

 

•

engage in transactions with shareholders and affiliates;

 

•

issue or sell stock of our subsidiaries; or

 

•

effect a consolidation or merger;

 

•

whether the indenture will require us to maintain any interest coverage, fixed charge, cash flow-based, asset-based or other financial ratios;

 

•

a discussion of any material or special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the debt securities;

 

•

information describing any book-entry features;

 

•

the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any;

 

•

the denominations in which we will issue the series of debt securities, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;

 

•

if other than dollars, the currency in which the series of debt securities will be denominated; and

 

•

any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the debt securities, including any events of default that are in addition to those described in this prospectus or any covenants provided with respect to the debt securities that are in addition to those described above, and any terms which may be required by us or advisable under applicable laws or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of the debt securities.

 

14

---

Table of Contents

Conversion or Exchange Rights

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplements the terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or other securities of ours or a third party, including the conversion or exchange rate, as applicable, or how it will be calculated, and the applicable conversion or exchange period. We will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of our securities or the securities of a third party that the holders of the series of debt securities receive upon conversion or exchange would, under the circumstances described in those provisions, be subject to adjustment, or pursuant to which those holders would, under those circumstances, receive other property upon conversion or exchange, for example in the event of our merger or consolidation with another entity.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

The indentures do not contain any covenant which restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. However, any successor of ours or acquiror of such assets must assume all of our obligations under the indentures and the debt securities.

If the debt securities are convertible for our other securities, the person with whom we consolidate or merge or to whom we sell all of our property must make provisions for the conversion of the debt securities into securities which the holders of the debt securities would have received if they had converted the debt securities before the consolidation, merger or sale.

Events of Default Under the Indenture

The following are events of default under the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:

 

•

if we fail to pay interest when due and payable and our failure continues for 90 days and the time for payment has not been validly extended;

 

•

if we fail to pay the principal, or premium, if any, or to make payment required by any sinking fund or analogous fund when due and payable and the time for payment has not been validly extended;

 

•

if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant contained in the debt securities or the indentures, other than a covenant specifically relating to another series of debt securities, and our failure continues for 90 days after we receive notice from the debenture trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series; and

 

•

if specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur.

If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, other than an event of default specified in the last bullet point above, the debenture trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by notice to us in writing (and to the debenture trustee if notice is given by such holders), declare the unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the last bullet point above occurs with respect to us, the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, of each issue of debt securities then outstanding shall be due and payable without any notice or other action on the part of the debenture trustee or any holder.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to the series and its consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, unless we have cured the default or event of default in accordance with the indenture.

 

15

---

Table of Contents

Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the debenture trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the debenture trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the debenture trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the debenture trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:

 

•

the direction so given by the holder is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture; and

 

•

subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the debenture trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding.

A holder of the debt securities of any series will only have the right to institute a proceeding under the indentures or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies if:

 

•

the holder has given written notice to the debenture trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to that series;

 

•

the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and such holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the debenture trustee to institute the proceeding as trustee; and

 

•

the debenture trustee does not institute the proceeding, and does not receive from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series other conflicting directions within 90 days after the notice, request and offer.

These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.

We will periodically file statements with the debenture trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indentures.

Modification of Indenture; Waiver

We and the debenture trustee may modify an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters, including, without limitation:

 

•

to fix any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture or in the debt securities of any series;

 

•

to comply with the provisions described above under “Consolidation, Merger or Sale”;

 

•

to comply with any requirements of the SEC in connection with the qualification of any indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

 

•

to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the indenture by a successor trustee;

 

•

to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose;

 

•

to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issuance, authentication and delivery of debt securities of any series;

 

•

to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the debt securities of any series authorized pursuant to the indentures, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the indentures or any series or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities;

 

16

---

Table of Contents

•

to add to our covenants such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders, to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default, or to surrender any of our rights or powers under the indenture; or

 

•

to change anything that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of debt securities of any series in any material respect.

In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of debt securities of any series may be changed by us and the debenture trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, we and the debenture trustee may only make the following changes with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:

 

•

extending the fixed maturity of the debt securities of any series;

 

•

reducing the principal amount, reducing the rate of or extending the time of payment of interest, or reducing any premium payable upon the redemption of any debt securities; or

 

•

reducing the percentage of debt securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any supplemental indenture.

Discharge

The indentures provide that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for certain obligations, including obligations to:

 

•

register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the series;

 

•

replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities of the series;

 

•

maintain paying agencies;

 

•

compensate and indemnify the debenture trustee; and

 

•

appoint any successor trustee.

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the debenture trustee money or government obligations, or a combination of both, sufficient to pay all of the principal of, any premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

Form, Exchange and Transfer

We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, or another depositary named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to that series.

At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplements, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required

 

17

---

Table of Contents

by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will not impose a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges applicable to or associated with such registration of transfer or exchange.

We will name in the applicable prospectus supplements the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

 

•

issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of any series being redeemed in part during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any debt securities that may be selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing; or

 

•

register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt securities we are redeeming in part.

Information Concerning the Debenture Trustee

The debenture trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the debenture trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the debenture trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

We will pay principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that, unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may make certain payments by check which we will mail to the holder or by wire transfer to certain holders. Unless we otherwise indicate in a prospectus supplement, we will designate an office or agency of the debenture trustee in the city of New York as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

All money we pay to a paying agent or the debenture trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

 

18

---

Table of Contents

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities

The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus supplement. The indentures do not limit the amount of indebtedness which we may incur, including senior indebtedness or subordinated indebtedness, and do not limit us from issuing any other debt, including secured debt or unsecured debt. Additional or different subordination provisions may be described in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities.

 

19

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, which consist of warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or together with our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or rights offered by any prospectus supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future warrants we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any warrants we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.

We will issue the warrants directly or under a warrant agreement which we will enter into with a warrant agent to be selected by us. We have filed forms of the warrant agreements and the related warrant certificates for each type of warrant we may offer pursuant to this prospectus as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We use the term “warrant agreement” to refer to any of these warrant agreements. We use the term “warrant agent” to refer to the warrant agent under any of these warrant agreements. The warrant agent will act solely as an agent of ours in connection with the warrants and will not act as an agent for the holders or beneficial owners of the warrants.

The following summary of material provisions of the warrants and the warrant agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the warrant agreement applicable to a particular series of warrants. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the warrants that we sell pursuant to this prospectus, as well as the complete warrant agreements that contain the terms of the warrants.

General

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplements the terms relating to a series of warrants.

If warrants for the purchase of debt securities are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the following terms, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the offering price and the aggregate number of warrants offered;

 

•

the currencies in which the warrants are being offered;

 

•

the designation, aggregate principal amount, currencies, denominations and terms of the series of debt securities that can be purchased if a holder exercises a warrant;

 

•

the designation and terms of any series of debt securities with which the warrants are being offered and the number of warrants offered with each such debt security;

 

•

the date on and after which the holder of the warrants can transfer them separately from the related series of debt securities;

 

•

the principal amount of the series of debt securities that can be purchased if a holder exercises a warrant and the price at which and currencies in which such principal amount may be purchased upon exercise;

 

•

the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;

 

•

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and the date on which such right expires;

 

•

U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants;

 

•

whether the warrants are issued pursuant to a warrant agreement with a warrant agent or issued directly by us; and

 

•

any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the warrants.

 

20

---

Table of Contents

Warrants for the purchase of debt securities will be in registered form only.

If warrants for the purchase of our common stock or preferred stock are offered, the prospectus supplements will describe the following terms, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the offering price and the aggregate number of warrants offered;

 

•

the total number of shares that can be purchased if a holder of the warrants exercises them and, in the case of warrants for preferred stock, the designation, total number and terms of the series of preferred stock that can be purchased upon exercise;

 

•

the designation and terms of any series of preferred stock with which the warrants are being offered and the number of warrants being offered with each share of common stock or preferred stock;

 

•

the date on and after which the holder of the warrants can transfer them separately from the related common stock or series of preferred stock;

 

•

the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock that can be purchased if a holder exercises the warrant and the price at which such common stock or preferred stock may be purchased upon exercise, including, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price and in the securities or other property receivable upon exercise;

 

•

the terms of any rights to redeem or call, or accelerate the expiration of, the warrants;

 

•

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and the date on which that right expires;

 

•

federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants;

 

•

whether the warrants are issued pursuant to a warrant agreement with a warrant agent or issued directly by us; and

 

•

any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the warrants.

Warrants for the purchase of common stock or preferred stock will be in registered form only.

A holder of warrant certificates may exchange them for new certificates of different denominations, present them for registration of transfer and exercise them at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Until any warrants to purchase debt securities are exercised, the holder of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities that can be purchased upon exercise, including any rights to receive payments of principal, premium or interest on the underlying debt securities or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture. Until any warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock are exercised, holders of the warrants will not have any rights of holders of the underlying common stock or preferred stock, including any rights to receive dividends or to exercise any voting rights, except to the extent set forth under “—Warrant Adjustments” below.

Exercise of Warrants

Each holder of a warrant is entitled to purchase the principal amount of debt securities or number of shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, at the exercise price described in the applicable prospectus supplements. After the close of business on the day when the right to exercise terminates (or a later date if we extend the time for exercise), unexercised warrants will become void.

A holder of warrants may exercise them by following the general procedure outlined below:

 

•

delivering to us or to the warrant agent the payment required by the applicable prospectus supplements to purchase the underlying security;

 

•

properly completing and signing the reverse side of the warrant certificate representing the warrants; and

 

21

---

Table of Contents

•

delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to us or to the warrant agent within five business days of receipt of payment of the exercise price.

If the holder complies with the procedures described above, the warrants will be considered to have been exercised when we receive or the warrant agent receives, as applicable, payment of the exercise price, subject to the transfer books for the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrant not being closed on such date. After the holder has completed those procedures and subject to the foregoing, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver to such holder the debt securities, common stock or preferred stock that such holder purchased upon exercise. If the holder exercises fewer than all of the warrants represented by a warrant certificate, a new warrant certificate will be issued to such holder for the unexercised amount of warrants. Holders of warrants will be required to pay any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with transferring the underlying securities in connection with the exercise of the warrants.

Amendments and Supplements to the Warrant Agreements

We may amend or supplement a warrant agreement without the consent of the holders of the applicable warrants to cure ambiguities in the warrant agreement, to cure, correct or supplement a defective provision in the warrant agreement, or to provide for other matters under the warrant agreement that we and the warrant agent deem necessary or desirable, so long as, in each case, such amendments or supplements do not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

Warrant Adjustments

Unless the applicable prospectus supplements state otherwise, the exercise price of, and the number of securities covered by, a common stock warrant or preferred stock warrant will be adjusted proportionately if we subdivide or combine our common stock or preferred stock, as applicable.

In addition, unless the prospectus supplements state otherwise, if we, without payment therefor:

 

•

issue capital stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or preferred stock, or any rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any of the foregoing, as a dividend or distribution to holders of our common stock or preferred stock;

 

•

pay any cash to holders of our common stock or preferred stock other than a cash dividend paid out of our current or retained earnings or other than in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock;

 

•

issue any evidence of our indebtedness or rights to subscribe for or purchase our indebtedness to holders of our common stock or preferred stock; or

 

•

issue common stock or preferred stock or additional stock or other securities or property to holders of our common stock or preferred stock by way of spinoff, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar corporate rearrangement;

then the holders of common stock warrants and preferred stock warrants, as applicable, will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the warrants, in addition to the securities otherwise receivable upon exercise of the warrants and without paying any additional consideration, the amount of stock and other securities and property such holders would have been entitled to receive had they held the common stock or preferred stock, as applicable, issuable under the warrants on the dates on which holders of those securities received or became entitled to receive such additional stock and other securities and property.

Except as stated above, the exercise price and number of securities covered by a common stock warrant or preferred stock warrant, and the amounts of other securities or property to be received, if any, upon exercise of those warrants, will not be adjusted or provided for if we issue those securities or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for those securities, or securities carrying the right to purchase those securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for those securities.

 

22

---

Table of Contents

Holders of common stock warrants and preferred stock warrants may have additional rights under the following circumstances:

 

•

certain reclassifications, capital reorganizations or changes of the common stock or preferred stock, as applicable;

 

•

certain share exchanges, mergers, or similar transactions involving us and which result in changes of the common stock or preferred stock, as applicable; or

 

•

certain sales or dispositions to another entity of all or substantially all of our property and assets.

If one of the above transactions occurs and holders of our common stock or preferred stock are entitled to receive stock, securities or other property with respect to or in exchange for their securities, the holders of the common stock warrants and preferred stock warrants then outstanding, as applicable, will be entitled to receive upon exercise of their warrants the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities or property that they would have received upon the applicable transaction if they had exercised their warrants immediately before the transaction.

 

23

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the rights that we may offer under this prospectus, which consist of rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. Rights may be offered independently or together with our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or warrants offered by any prospectus supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future rights we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any rights that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplements. The terms of any rights we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.

The applicable prospectus supplements relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms of any offering of rights for which this prospectus is being delivered, including the following, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the price, if any, per right;

 

•

the exercise price payable for each share of common stock, share of preferred stock or debt security upon the exercise of the rights;

 

•

the number of rights issued or to be issued to each holder;

 

•

the number and terms of the shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock or debt securities that may be purchased per each right;

 

•

the extent to which the rights are transferable;

 

•

any other terms of the rights, including the terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the rights;

 

•

the respective dates on which the holder’s ability to exercise the rights will commence and will expire;

 

•

the extent to which the rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and

 

•

if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement entered into by us in connection with the offering of such rights.

The description in the applicable prospectus supplements of any rights that we may offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable rights agreement and/or rights certificate, which will be filed with the SEC in connection therewith.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, rights or any combination of such securities.

 

24

---

Table of Contents

LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

We can issue securities in registered form or in the form of one or more global securities. We describe global securities in greater detail below. We refer to those persons who have securities registered in their own names on the books that we or any applicable trustee or depositary or warrant agent maintain for this purpose as the “holders” of those securities. These persons are the legal holders of the securities. We refer to those persons who, indirectly through others, own beneficial interests in securities that are not registered in their own names, as “indirect holders” of those securities. As we discuss below, indirect holders are not legal holders, and investors in securities issued in book-entry form or in street name will be indirect holders.

Book-Entry Holders

We may issue securities in book-entry form only, as we will specify in the applicable prospectus supplements. This means securities may be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a financial institution that holds them as depositary on behalf of other financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, which are referred to as participants, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the securities on behalf of themselves or their customers.

Only the person in whose name a security is registered is recognized as the holder of that security. Global securities will be registered in the name of the depositary. Consequently, for global securities, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the securities, and we will make all payments on the securities to the depositary. The depositary passes along the payments it receives to its participants, which in turn pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers; they are not obligated to do so under the terms of the securities.

As a result, investors in a global security will not own securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the securities are issued in global form, investors will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the securities.

Street Name Holders

We may terminate a global security or issue securities that are not issued in global form. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their securities in their own names or in “street name.” Securities held by an investor in street name would be registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution that the investor chooses, and the investor would hold only a beneficial interest in those securities through an account he or she maintains at that institution.

For securities held in street name, we or any applicable trustee or depositary will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the securities are registered as the holders of those securities, and we or any such trustee or depositary will make all payments on those securities to them. These institutions pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold securities in street name will be indirect holders, not holders, of those securities.

Legal Holders

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of any applicable trustee or third party employed by us or a trustee, run only to the legal holders of the securities. We do not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect holder of a security or has no choice because we are issuing the securities only in global form.

 

25

---

Table of Contents

For example, once we make a payment or give a notice to the holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with its participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, we may want to obtain the approval of the holders to amend an indenture, to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of our obligation to comply with a particular provision of an indenture, or for other purposes. In such an event, we would seek approval only from the holders, and not the indirect holders, of the securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect holders is up to the holders.

Special Considerations For Indirect Holders

If you hold securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form because the securities are represented by one or more global securities or in street name, you should check with your own institution to find out:

 

•

how it handles securities payments and notices;

 

•

whether it imposes fees or charges;

 

•

how it would handle a request for the holders’ consent, if ever required;

 

•

whether and how you can instruct it to send you securities registered in your own name so you can be a holder, if that is permitted in the future;

 

•

how it would exercise rights under the securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests; and

 

•

if the securities are global securities, how the depositary’s rules and procedures will affect these matters.

Global Securities

A global security is a security which represents one or any other number of individual securities held by a depositary. Generally, all securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms.

Each security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we issue to, deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, will be the depositary for all global securities issued pursuant to this prospectus.

A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary, its nominee or a successor depositary, unless special termination situations arise. We describe those situations below under “—Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated.” As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that does. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a holder of the security, but only an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.

If the prospectus supplements for a particular security indicate that the security will be issued as a global security, then the security will be represented by a global security at all times unless and until the global security is terminated. If termination occurs, we may issue the securities through another book-entry clearing system or decide that the securities may no longer be held through any book-entry clearing system.

 

26

---

Table of Contents

Special Considerations for Global Securities

As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize an indirect holder as a holder of securities and instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

If securities are issued only as a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:

 

•

an investor cannot cause the securities to be registered in his or her name, and cannot obtain non-global certificates for his or her interest in the securities, except in the special situations we describe below;

 

•

an investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the securities, as we describe above;

 

•

an investor may not be able to sell interests in the securities to some insurance companies and to other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form;

 

•

an investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in the global security in circumstances where certificates representing the securities must be delivered to the lender or other beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be effective;

 

•

the depositary’s policies, which may change from time to time, will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to an investor’s interest in the global security; we and any applicable trustee have no responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in the global security; and we and the trustee also do not supervise the depositary in any way;

 

•

the depositary may, and we understand that DTC will, require that those who purchase and sell interests in the global security within its book-entry system use immediately available funds, and your broker or bank may require you to do so as well; and

 

•

financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system, and through which an investor holds its interest in the global security, may also have their own policies affecting payments, notices and other matters relating to the securities; there may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor; and we do not monitor and are not responsible for the actions of any of those intermediaries.

Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated

In a few special situations described below, a global security will terminate and interests in it will be exchanged for physical certificates representing those interests. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in securities transferred to their own name, so that they will be direct holders. We have described the rights of holders and street name investors above.

A global security will terminate when the following special situations occur:

 

•

if the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary for that global security and we do not appoint another institution to act as depositary within 90 days after we receive notice or become aware of such condition;

 

•

if we notify any applicable trustee that we wish to terminate that global security; or

 

•

if an event of default has occurred with regard to securities represented by that global security and has not been cured or waived and we have received a request from the depositary for the discontinuance of securities in global form.

 

27

---

Table of Contents

The applicable prospectus supplements may also list additional situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of securities covered by the prospectus supplements. When a global security terminates, the depositary, and not we or any applicable trustee, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders.

 

28

---

Table of Contents

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplements:

 

•

to or through one or more underwriters or dealers;

 

•

to investors directly;

 

•

through agents; or

 

•

through any combination of these methods of sale.

Our securities may be offered and sold:

 

•

at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

•

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

•

at prices related to the prevailing market prices; or

 

•

at negotiated prices.

Any of the prices at which we sell securities may be at a discount to market prices. Broker-dealers may also receive from us, as applicable, or the purchasers of the securities compensation that is not expected to exceed that customary in the types of transactions involved.

Each prospectus supplement, to the extent applicable, will describe the number and terms of the securities to which such prospectus supplement relates, including:

 

•

any over-allotment options under which underwriters, if any, may purchase additional securities;

 

•

the name or names of any underwriters or agents with whom we have entered into an arrangement with respect to the sale of such securities;

 

•

the public offering or purchase price of such securities;

 

•

any underwriting discounts or commissions or agency fees or other items constituting underwriter or agent compensation;

 

•

any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers;

 

•

any securities exchanges or markets on which the securities may be listed; and

 

•

the net proceeds we will receive from such sale.

Underwritten Offerings

If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions described above. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts. Generally, the underwriters’ obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe any such underwriters in the applicable prospectus supplement, naming the underwriter and the nature of any such relationship.

Direct Sales and Sales through Agents

We may sell securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. We also may, from time to time, authorize dealers or agents to offer and sell these securities, upon such terms and conditions as may be set forth

 

29

---

Table of Contents

in the applicable prospectus supplement, if applicable. In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, the securities offered will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with. This prospectus, one or more prospectus supplements, and the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part may be used in conjunction with one or more other registration statements to the extent permitted by the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Rights Offerings

We also may sell directly to investors through subscription rights distributed to our shareholders on a pro rata basis. In connection with any distribution of subscription rights to shareholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may sell the unsubscribed shares of our securities directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.

We may also sell securities in one or more of the following transactions:

 

•

block transactions (which may involve crosses) in which a broker-dealer may sell all or a portion of the shares as agent but may position and resell all or a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

 

•

purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its own account;

 

•

ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

 

•

sales “at the market” to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise, for securities; and

 

•

sales in other ways not involving a market maker or established trading markets, including direct sales to purchasers.

We may also enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Any dealers or agents that participate in the distribution of securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and in such event, any discounts or commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on the resale of securities they realize may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

Indemnification

Underwriters, dealers and agents and remarketing firms may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the agents, dealers, underwriters or remarketing firms may be required to make.

 

30

---

Table of Contents

Stabilization

In connection with any offering of the securities hereby, certain underwriters and selling group members and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the applicable securities. These transactions may include stabilization transactions pursuant to which these persons may bid for or purchase securities for the purpose of stabilizing their market price.

The underwriters in an offering of securities may also create a “short position” for their account by selling more securities in connection with the offering than they are committed to purchase from us. In that case, the underwriters could cover all or a portion of the short position by either purchasing securities in the open market following completion of the offering of these securities or by exercising any over-allotment option granted to them by us. In addition, the managing underwriter may impose “penalty bids” under contractual arrangements with other underwriters, which means that it can reclaim from an underwriter (or any selling group member participating in the offering) for the account of the other underwriters, the selling concession for the securities that are distributed in the offering but subsequently purchased for the account of the underwriters in the open market. Any of the transactions described in this paragraph or comparable transactions that are described in any accompanying prospectus supplement may result in the maintenance of the price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. None of the transactions described in this paragraph or in an accompanying prospectus supplement are required to be taken by an underwriter and, if they are undertaken, may be discontinued at any time.

Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, under certain circumstances a person engaged in the distribution of the securities offered under this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to our securities for a specified period prior to the commencement of such distribution.

Passive Market-Making on NASDAQ

Any underwriters who are qualified market makers on The NASDAQ Capital Market may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market making bid, however, the passive market making bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded.

Remarketing Arrangements

Offered securities may also be offered and sold in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. We will identify any remarketing firm and describe the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Delayed Delivery Contracts

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize dealers acting as our agents to solicit offers by institutions to purchase securities covered by this prospectus from us at the public offering price set forth in the relevant prospectus supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in the relevant prospectus supplement. Each delayed delivery contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate principal amount of securities sold pursuant to delayed delivery contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom delayed delivery contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and

 

31

---

Table of Contents

savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions, and other institutions, but will in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except (i) the purchase by an institution of the securities covered by its delayed delivery contracts may not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which the institution is subject, and (ii) if the securities are being sold to underwriters, we will be required to have sold to such underwriters the total principal amount of the securities less the principal amount thereof covered by delayed delivery contracts. The underwriters and any other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts.

Other Relationships

Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Unless we specify otherwise in the related prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than shares of our common stock, which are listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in our securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for our securities.

 

32

---

Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by O’Melveny & Myers LLP, San Francisco, California.

EXPERTS

Stonefield Josephson, Inc., an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2009, and for each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as set forth in its report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Marcum LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2010 and for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as set forth in its report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

33

---

Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS

 

CELL THERAPEUTICS, INC.

$100,000,000

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

Rights

Units

 

 

From time to time, we may offer and sell in one or more offerings:

 

•

shares of our common stock;

 

•

shares of our preferred stock;

 

•

debt securities;

 

•

warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities;

 

•

rights to purchase common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities; and

 

•

units consisting of two or more of these classes or series of securities.

We may sell any combination of these securities in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate offering price of $100,000,000, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of each offering thereof. Each time we offer securities using this prospectus, we will provide specific terms of the securities and the offering in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements may also add to, update or change the information in this prospectus and will also describe the specific manner in which we will offer the securities. The securities may be offered and sold by us to or through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, or directly to purchasers on a continuous or delayed basis. See “Plan of Distribution.”

This prospectus may not be used by us to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. You should carefully read this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, including the information incorporated by reference, prior to investing in any of our securities.

Our common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Capital Market and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario, or the MTA, stock market in Italy under the symbol “CTIC.” On October 21, 2011, the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market was $1.23 per share. We do not expect our preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, rights or units to be listed on any securities exchange or over-the-counter market unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See the “Risk Factors” section on page 4 of this prospectus.

 

 

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is October 25, 2011

---

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE			2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			3
INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY			4
RISK FACTORS			4
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS			4
USE OF PROCEEDS			4
DIVIDEND POLICY			5
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			6
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			9
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			16
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS			20
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS			21
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			22
LEGAL MATTERS			26
EXPERTS			26

 

i

---

Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, rights, units or any combination of these securities in one or more offerings, for a total maximum offering price not to exceed $100,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell any securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. Any prospectus supplement may include a discussion of risks or other special considerations applicable to us or the offered securities. Any prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus, on the one hand, and the information contained in any prospectus, on the other hand, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

You should read this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, any documents that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement, and the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” before making an investment decision. You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any documents we incorporate by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

In this prospectus, the terms “CTI,” “Company,” “registrant,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Cell Therapeutics, Inc., a Washington corporation, and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. “CTI” “OPAXIO” and “Pixuvri” are our proprietary marks. All other product names, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus, as supplemented from time to time, are the property of their respective owners.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. In accordance with the Exchange Act, we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us are available to the public free of charge at www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available on our website at www.celltherapeutics.com. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form S-3 and the exhibits thereto, at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference facilities by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

This prospectus omits some information contained in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information and exhibits in the registration statement for further information about us and the securities we are offering. Statements in this prospectus concerning any document we filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or that we otherwise filed with the SEC are not intended to be comprehensive and are qualified by reference to these filings. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.

 

1

---

Table of Contents

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

SEC rules allow us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus much of the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate by reference into this prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act (in each case, other than those documents or the portions of those documents deemed to be furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules) until the offering of the securities under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part is terminated or completed:

 

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on February 16, 2011;

 

•

our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011 and September 30, 2011, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2011, July 28, 2011 and October 25, 2011, respectively;

 

•

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 18, 2011 (as amended by our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on January 28, 2011), February 24, 2011 (as amended by our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on March 7, 2011), March 14, 2011, March 15, 2011, March 22, 2011, May 2, 2011, May 3, 2011, May 6, 2011, May 18, 2011, June 17, 2011, July 6, 2011, August 31, 2011 and September 26, 2011; and

 

•

the description of our capital stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on June 27, 1996, as amended.

Because we are incorporating by reference future filings with the SEC, this prospectus is continually updated and later information filed with the SEC may update and supersede some of the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. This means that you must look at all of the SEC filings that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this prospectus or in any document previously incorporated by reference have been modified or superseded.

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owners, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus, excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. You may request a copy of these documents by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

501 Elliott Avenue West, Suite 400

Seattle, Washington 98119

(206) 282-7100

Attention: Investor Relations

 

2

---

Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any documents we incorporate by reference herein or therein may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

 

•

any statements regarding future operations, plans, regulatory filings or approvals;

 

•

any statements regarding the performance, or likely performance, or outcomes or economic benefit of any licensing or other agreement, including any agreement with Novartis International Pharmaceutical Ltd. or its affiliates, or Chroma Therapeutics Ltd. or its affiliates, including whether or not such partner will elect to participate, terminate or otherwise make elections under any such agreement or whether any regulatory authorizations required to enable such agreement will be obtained;

 

•

any projections of cash resources, revenues, operating expenses or other financial terms;

 

•

any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations or programs;

 

•

any statements concerning proposed new products or services;

 

•

any statements on plans regarding proposed or potential clinical trials or new drug filing strategies or timelines;

 

•

any statements regarding compliance with the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, or NASDAQ;

 

•

any statements regarding pending or future mergers or acquisitions; and

 

•

any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should” or “will” or the negative thereof, variations thereof and similar expressions. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such expectations or any of the forward-looking statements will prove to be correct, and actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. We urge you to carefully review the disclosures we make concerning risks and other factors that may affect our business and operating results, including those made in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and in “Part II—Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, as such risk factors may be updated in subsequent SEC filings, as well as our other reports filed with the SEC and in any prospectus supplement. We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking information to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless required by law to do so.

 

3

---

Table of Contents

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY

We develop, acquire and commercialize novel treatments for cancer. Our goal is to build a leading biopharmaceutical company with a diversified portfolio of proprietary oncology drugs. Our research, development, acquisition and in-licensing activities concentrate on identifying and developing new, less toxic and more effective ways to treat cancer. Our operations are primarily conducted in the United States. We are currently focusing our efforts on Pixuvri™ (pixantrone dimaleate), OPAXIO™ (paclitaxel poliglumex), tosedostat, brostallicin and bisplatinates.

We were incorporated in the State of Washington in 1991. Our shares of common stock trade on The NASDAQ Capital Market and the MTA in Italy under the symbol “CTIC.” Our principal executive offices are located at 501 Elliott Avenue West, Suite 400, Seattle, Washington 98119, and our phone number is (206) 282-7100. Our website is located at www.celltherapeutics.com; however, the information in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2011, and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011 and September 30, 2011, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2011, July 28, 2011 and October 25, 2011, respectively, which information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and the additional risks and other information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of the identified risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or prospects and the trading price of our securities. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects and the trading price of our securities.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED

CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated:

 

		Nine months ended September 30,				Year ended December 31,
		2011				2010				2009				2008				2007				2006
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)			—				—				—				—				—				—
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends(1)			—				—				—				—				—				—

 

(1)

Earnings were not sufficient to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. Earnings consist of income (loss) before provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest charges and that portion of rental payments under operating leases we believe to be representative of interest. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, were insufficient to cover fixed charges, and fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, by $103.2, $147.6, $116.8, $202.9, $148.3 and $135.8 (in millions), respectively. For this reason, no ratios are provided for these periods.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any of our securities for general corporate purposes, unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement. We may temporarily invest funds that we do not immediately use in short- and medium-term marketable securities.

 

4

---

Table of Contents

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not currently anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance operations. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, future prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

 

5

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended, which we refer to as our articles of incorporation, our second amended and restated bylaws, which we refer to as our bylaws, and all applicable provisions of Washington law. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The particular terms of any offering of our securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such offering.

General

We are authorized to issue 283,333,333 shares of common stock, no par value (as adjusted to reflect the 1-for-6 reverse stock split effected on May 15, 2011), and 1,666,666 shares of preferred stock, no par value. We have included in our proxy statement for the 2011 annual meeting of our shareholders a proposal to increase the total number of authorized shares from 284,999,999 to 384,999,999 and the total number of authorized shares of common stock from 283,333,333 to 383,333,333 shares. As of October 21, 2011, there were 192,763,414 shares of common stock outstanding, warrants to purchase approximately 27,610,697 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. In addition, as of October 21, 2011, 60,627 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon conversion of debt securities, 6,078,086 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our equity compensation plans, 233,418 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan and 65 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding restricted share rights.

On April 15, 2007, we effected a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our common stock, on August 31, 2008, we effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock and on May 15, 2011, we effected a 1-for-6 reverse stock split of our common stock.

Common Stock

Each holder of common stock is generally entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders and there are no cumulative voting rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, that are declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share in our assets remaining after the payment of liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate in the future.

General Description of Preferred Stock

Our board of directors has the authority, without action by the shareholders, to designate and issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which may be greater than the rights of the common stock. The prospectus supplement relating to the series of preferred stock offered by that supplement will describe the specific terms of those securities. It is not possible to state the actual effects of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of the common stock until our board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of such preferred stock. However, the effects could include, among other things:

 

•

restricting dividends on the common stock;

 

•

diluting the voting power of the common stock;

 

•

impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or

 

6

---

Table of Contents

•

delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company without further action by the shareholders.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Washington Law, Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and Our Rights Plan

Washington law contains certain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company. Chapter 23B.19 of the Washington Business Corporation Act prohibits us, with certain exceptions, from engaging in certain significant business transactions with an “acquiring person” (defined generally as a person or group of persons who acquire 10% or more of our voting securities) for a period of five years following the acquiring person’s share acquisition date. The prohibited transactions include, among others, a merger or consolidation with, disposition of assets to, or issuance or redemption of stock to or from, the acquiring person, or any other receipt by the acquiring person of a disproportionate benefit as a shareholder. Exceptions to this statutory prohibition include approval of the transaction at a shareholders meeting by holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the transaction, not counting shares as to which the acquiring person has beneficial ownership or voting control, transactions approved by our board of directors prior to the acquiring person first becoming an acquiring person or a merger, share exchange, consolidation, liquidation, distribution or certain other significant business transactions entered into with the acquiring person where certain requirements regarding the fairness of the consideration to be received by the shareholders have been met. We may not exempt ourselves from coverage of this statute. These statutory provisions may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company.

Our board of directors is divided into three approximately equal classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. In addition, our articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed from office only at a meeting of the shareholders called expressly for that purpose and only for “cause.” Our articles of incorporation limit “cause” to willful misfeasance having a material adverse effect on us or conviction of a felony, provided that any action by a director shall not constitute “cause” if, in good faith, the director believed the action to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests or if the director is entitled to be indemnified with respect to such action under applicable law, our articles of incorporation or bylaws or a contract with us. Further, our bylaws require a shareholder to provide notice to us of such shareholder’s intention to nominate a person or persons for election as directors not later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting or, in the case of an election to be held at a special meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors, the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to shareholders. A shareholder must also provide us with notice of such shareholder’s intent to make any proposal at an annual meeting of shareholders not later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting of shareholders. These provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying a change in control of our management.

On December 28, 2009, we entered into our rights plan with Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent. In connection with our rights plan, one preferred stock purchase right was distributed for each common share held as of the close of business on January 7, 2010. Initially, the rights are not exercisable and are attached to, and trade with, all of the shares of our common stock outstanding as of, and issued subsequent to, the record date (as defined in the rights plan). As adjusted in connection with our 1-for-6 reverse stock split effected on May 15, 2011, each right, if and when it becomes exercisable, will entitle the holder to purchase six ten-thousandths of a share of a new series of junior participating cumulative preferred stock for $36.00, subject to standard adjustment in the rights plan. Upon the acquisition of 20% or more of our common stock by a person or group, subject to certain exceptions (such acquisition referred to herein as a 20% acquisition), the rights will become exercisable for our preferred stock, except for those rights held by such 20% acquirer, which will become null and void. Upon a 20% acquisition, the holder of an exercisable right will be entitled to receive, upon exercise, in lieu of preferred stock, that number of shares of our common stock, or in certain circumstances, including if there are insufficient shares of our common stock to permit the exercise in full of the rights, preferred stock, other securities, cash, property or a reduction in the exercise price of the rights, or any combination of the foregoing, having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right.

 

7

---

Table of Contents

If we are acquired in a merger, consolidation or certain other business combination transactions after a 20% acquisition, each holder of an exercisable right would then have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock of the acquiring company having a market value equal to two times the exercise price of the right.

Our board of directors may redeem the rights for $0.0006 per right or amend the rights plan at any time prior to a 20% acquisition or the expiration of the rights plan. The rights plan will expire on January 7, 2013, unless previously redeemed or exchanged by the Company.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Listing

Our shares of common stock trade on The NASDAQ Capital Market and the MTA in Italy under the symbol “CTIC.”

 

8

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future debt securities we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.

The debt securities may be either secured or unsecured and will either be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. We will issue the senior notes under the senior indenture which we will enter into with one or more trustees. We will issue the subordinated notes under the subordinated indenture which we will enter into with one or more trustees. We have filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We use the term “indentures” to refer to both the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture.

The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. We use the term “debenture trustee” to refer to either the senior trustee or the subordinated trustee, as applicable.

The following summaries of the material provisions of the senior notes, the subordinated notes and the indentures are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the debt securities that we sell under this prospectus, as well as the complete indentures that contain the terms of the debt securities. Except as we may otherwise indicate, the terms of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are identical.

General

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms relating to a series of debt securities, including, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the title;

 

•

the principal amount being offered and, if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount outstanding;

 

•

any limit on the amount that may be issued;

 

•

whether or not we will issue the series of debt securities in global form and, if so, the terms and who the depositary will be;

 

•

the maturity date;

 

•

the principal amount due at maturity and whether the debt securities will be issued with any original issue discount;

 

•

whether and under what circumstances, if any, we will pay additional amounts on any debt securities held by a person who is not a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and whether we can redeem the debt securities if we have to pay such additional amounts;

 

•

the annual interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, or the method for determining the rate, the date interest will begin to accrue, the dates interest will be payable and the regular record dates for interest payment dates or the method for determining such dates;

 

•

whether or not the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt;

 

9

---

Table of Contents

•

whether or not the debt securities will be senior or subordinated, and the terms of the subordination of any series of subordinated debt;

 

•

the place where payments will be payable;

 

•

restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment, if any;

 

•

our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of any such deferral period;

 

•

the date, if any, after which, the conditions upon which, and the price at which we may, at our option, redeem the series of debt securities pursuant to any optional or provisional redemption provisions, and any other applicable terms of those redemption provisions;

 

•

provisions for a sinking fund, purchase or other analogous fund, if any;

 

•

the date, if any, on which, and the price at which we are obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provisions or otherwise, to redeem, or at the holder’s option to purchase, the series of debt securities;

 

•

whether the indenture will restrict our ability and/or the ability of our subsidiaries to:

 

•

incur additional indebtedness;

 

•

issue additional securities;

 

•

create liens;

 

•

pay dividends and make distributions in respect of our capital stock and the capital stock of our subsidiaries;

 

•

redeem capital stock;

 

•

place restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, make distributions or transfer assets;

 

•

make investments or other restricted payments;

 

•

sell or otherwise dispose of assets;

 

•

enter into sale-leaseback transactions;

 

•

engage in transactions with shareholders and affiliates;

 

•

issue or sell stock of our subsidiaries; or

 

•

effect a consolidation or merger;

 

•

whether the indenture will require us to maintain any interest coverage, fixed charge, cash flow-based, asset-based or other financial ratios;

 

•

a discussion of any material or special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the debt securities;

 

•

information describing any book-entry features;

 

•

the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any;

 

•

the denominations in which we will issue the series of debt securities, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;

 

•

if other than U.S. dollars, the currency in which the series of debt securities will be denominated; and

 

•

any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the debt securities, including any events of default that are in addition to those described in this prospectus or any covenants provided with respect to the debt securities that are in addition to those described above, and any terms which may be required by us or advisable under applicable laws or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of the debt securities.

 

10

---

Table of Contents

Conversion or Exchange Rights

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplements the terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or other securities of ours or a third party, including the conversion or exchange rate, as applicable, or how it will be calculated, and the applicable conversion or exchange period. We will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of our securities or the securities of a third party that the holders of the series of debt securities receive upon conversion or exchange would, under the circumstances described in those provisions, be subject to adjustment, or pursuant to which those holders would, under those circumstances, receive other property upon conversion or exchange, for example in the event of our merger or consolidation with another entity.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

The indentures in the form initially filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part do not contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. However, any successor of ours or acquirer of such assets must assume all of our obligations under the indentures and the debt securities.

If the debt securities are convertible into our other securities, the person with whom we consolidate or merge or to whom we sell all of our property must make provisions for the conversion of the debt securities into securities which the holders of the debt securities would have received if they had converted the debt securities before the consolidation, merger or sale.

Events of Default Under the Indentures

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of default under the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:

 

•

if we fail to pay interest when due and payable and our failure continues for 90 days and the time for payment has not been validly extended;

 

•

if we fail to pay the principal, or premium, if any, or to make payment required by any sinking fund or analogous fund when due and payable and the time for payment has not been validly extended;

 

•

if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant contained in the debt securities or the indentures, other than a covenant specifically relating to another series of debt securities, and our failure continues for 90 days after we receive notice from the debenture trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series; and

 

•

if specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur.

If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, other than an event of default specified in the last bullet point above, the debenture trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by notice to us in writing (and to the debenture trustee if notice is given by such holders), declare the unpaid principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the last bullet point above occurs with respect to us, the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, of each series of debt securities then outstanding shall be due and payable without any notice or other action on the part of the debenture trustee or any holder.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to the series and its consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, unless we have cured the default or event of default in accordance with the indenture.

 

11

---

Table of Contents

Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the debenture trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the debenture trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the debenture trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the debenture trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:

 

•

the direction so given by the holder is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture; and

 

•

subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the debenture trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding.

A holder of the debt securities of any series will only have the right to institute a proceeding under the indentures or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies, if:

 

•

the holder has given written notice to the debenture trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to that series;

 

•

the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and such holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the debenture trustee, to institute the proceeding as trustee; and

 

•

the debenture trustee does not institute the proceeding, and does not receive from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series other conflicting directions, within 90 days after the notice, request and offer.

These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities.

We will periodically file statements with the debenture trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indentures.

Modification of Indenture; Waiver

We and the debenture trustee may modify an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters, including, without limitation:

 

•

to fix any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture or in the debt securities of any series;

 

•

to comply with the provisions described above under “Consolidation, Merger or Sale”;

 

•

to comply with any requirements of the SEC in connection with the qualification of any indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

 

•

to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the indenture by a successor trustee;

 

•

to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose;

 

•

to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issuance, authentication and delivery of debt securities of any series;

 

•

to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the debt securities of any series authorized pursuant to the indentures, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the indentures or any series or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities;

 

12

---

Table of Contents

•

to add to our covenants such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders, to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default, or to surrender any of our rights or powers under the indenture; or

 

•

to change anything that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of debt securities of any series in any material respect;

In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of debt securities of any series may be changed by us and the debenture trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, we and the debenture trustee may only make the following changes with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:

 

•

extending the fixed maturity of the debt securities of any series;

 

•

reducing the principal amount, reducing the rate of or extending the time of payment of interest or reducing any premium payable upon the redemption of any debt securities; or

 

•

reducing the percentage of debt securities the holders of which are required to consent to any supplemental indenture.

Discharge

The indentures provide that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for certain obligations, including obligations to:

 

•

register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the series;

 

•

replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities of the series;

 

•

maintain paying agencies;

 

•

compensate and indemnify the debenture trustee; and

 

•

appoint any successor trustee.

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the debenture trustee money or government obligations, or a combination of both, sufficient to pay all of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

Form, Exchange and Transfer

We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, or another depositary named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to that series.

At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplements, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so

 

13

---

Table of Contents

required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will not impose a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges applicable to or associated with such registration of transfer or exchange.

We will name in the applicable prospectus supplements the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

 

•

issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of any series being redeemed in part during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any debt securities that may be selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing; or

 

•

register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt securities we are redeeming in part.

Information Concerning the Debenture Trustee

The debenture trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the debenture trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the debenture trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

We will pay principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that, unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may make certain payments by check which we will mail to the holder or by wire transfer to certain holders. Unless we otherwise indicate in a prospectus supplement, we will designate an office or agency of the debenture trustee in the city of New York as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

All money we pay to a paying agent or the debenture trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

 

14

---

Table of Contents

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities

The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus supplement. The indentures in the form initially filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part do not limit the amount of indebtedness which we may incur, including senior indebtedness or subordinated indebtedness, and do not limit us from issuing any other debt, including secured debt or unsecured debt. Additional or different subordination provisions may be described in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities.

 

15

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, which consist of warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or together with our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or rights offered by any prospectus supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future warrants we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any warrants we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.

We will issue the warrants directly or under a warrant agreement which we will enter into with a warrant agent to be selected by us. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of offered warrants. We use the term “warrant agreement” to refer to any of these warrant agreements. We use the term “warrant agent” to refer to the warrant agent under any of these warrant agreements. The warrant agent will act solely as an agent of ours in connection with the warrants and will not act as an agent for the holders or beneficial owners of the warrants.

The following summary of material provisions of the warrants and the warrant agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the warrant agreement applicable to a particular series of warrants. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the warrants that we sell pursuant to this prospectus, as well as the complete warrant agreements that contain the terms of the warrants.

General

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplements the terms relating to a series of warrants.

If warrants for the purchase of debt securities are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the following terms, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the offering price and the aggregate number of warrants offered;

 

•

the currencies in which the warrants are being offered;

 

•

the designation, aggregate principal amount, currencies, denominations and terms of the series of debt securities that can be purchased if a holder exercises a warrant;

 

•

the designation and terms of any series of debt securities with which the warrants are being offered and the number of warrants offered with each such debt security;

 

•

the date on and after which the holder of the warrants can transfer them separately from the related series of debt securities;

 

•

the principal amount of the series of debt securities that can be purchased if a holder exercises a warrant and the price at which and currencies in which such principal amount may be purchased upon exercise;

 

•

the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;

 

•

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and the date on which such right expires;

 

•

the number of warrants outstanding, if any;

 

•

a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the warrants;

 

16

---

Table of Contents

•

the terms, if any, on which we may accelerate the date by which the warrants must be exercised;

 

•

whether the warrants are issued pursuant to a warrant agreement with a warrant agent or issued directly by us; and

 

•

any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the warrants.

Warrants for the purchase of debt securities will be in registered form only.

If warrants for the purchase of our common stock or preferred stock are offered, the prospectus supplements will describe the following terms, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the offering price and the aggregate number of warrants offered;

 

•

the total number of shares that can be purchased if a holder of the warrants exercises them and, in the case of warrants for preferred stock, the designation, total number and terms of the series of preferred stock that can be purchased upon exercise;

 

•

the designation and terms of any series of preferred stock with which the warrants are being offered and the number of warrants being offered with each share of common stock or preferred stock;

 

•

the date on and after which the holder of the warrants can transfer them separately from the related common stock or series of preferred stock;

 

•

the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock that can be purchased if a holder exercises the warrant and the price at which such common stock or preferred stock may be purchased upon exercise, including, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price and in the securities or other property receivable upon exercise;

 

•

the terms of any rights to redeem or call, or accelerate the expiration of, the warrants;

 

•

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and the date on which that right expires;

 

•

the number of warrants outstanding, if any;

 

•

a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the warrants;

 

•

the terms, if any, on which we may accelerate the date by which the warrants must be exercised;

 

•

whether the warrants are issued pursuant to a warrant agreement with a warrant agent or issued directly by us; and

 

•

any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the warrants.

Warrants for the purchase of common stock or preferred stock will be in registered form only.

A holder of warrant certificates may exchange them for new certificates of different denominations, present them for registration of transfer and exercise them at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Until any warrants to purchase debt securities are exercised, the holder of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities that can be purchased upon exercise, including any rights to receive payments of principal, premium or interest on the underlying debt securities or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture. Until any warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock are exercised, holders of the warrants will not have any rights of holders of the underlying common stock or preferred stock, including any rights to receive dividends or to exercise any voting rights, except to the extent set forth under “—Warrant Adjustments” below.

Exercise of Warrants

Each holder of a warrant is entitled to purchase the principal amount of debt securities or number of shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, at the exercise price described in the applicable prospectus supplements. After the close of business on the day when the right to exercise terminates (or a later date if we extend the time for exercise), unexercised warrants will become void.

 

17

---

Table of Contents

A holder of warrants may exercise them by following the general procedure outlined below:

 

•

delivering to us or to the warrant agent the payment required by the applicable prospectus supplements to purchase the underlying security;

 

•

properly completing and signing the reverse side of the warrant certificate representing the warrants; and

 

•

delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to us or to the warrant agent within five business days of receipt of payment of the exercise price.

If the holder complies with the procedures described above, the warrants will be considered to have been exercised when we receive or the warrant agent receives, as applicable, payment of the exercise price, subject to the transfer books for the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrant not being closed on such date. After the holder has completed those procedures and subject to the foregoing, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver to such holder the debt securities, common stock or preferred stock that such holder purchased upon exercise. If the holder exercises fewer than all of the warrants represented by a warrant certificate, a new warrant certificate will be issued to such holder for the unexercised amount of warrants. Holders of warrants will be required to pay any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with transferring the underlying securities in connection with the exercise of the warrants.

Amendments and Supplements to the Warrant Agreements

We may amend or supplement a warrant agreement without the consent of the holders of the applicable warrants to cure ambiguities in the warrant agreement, to cure, correct or supplement a defective provision in the warrant agreement, or to provide for other matters under the warrant agreement that we and the warrant agent deem necessary or desirable, so long as, in each case, such amendments or supplements do not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

Warrant Adjustments

Unless the applicable prospectus supplements state otherwise, the exercise price of, and the number of securities covered by, a common stock warrant or preferred stock warrant will be adjusted proportionately if we subdivide or combine our common stock or preferred stock, as applicable.

In addition, unless the prospectus supplements state otherwise, if we, without payment therefor:

 

•

issue capital stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or preferred stock, or any rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any of the foregoing, as a dividend or distribution to holders of our common stock or preferred stock;

 

•

pay any cash to holders of our common stock or preferred stock other than a cash dividend paid out of our current or retained earnings or other than in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock;

 

•

issue any evidence of our indebtedness or rights to subscribe for or purchase our indebtedness to holders of our common stock or preferred stock; or

 

•

issue common stock or preferred stock or additional stock or other securities or property to holders of our common stock or preferred stock by way of spinoff, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar corporate rearrangement;

then the holders of common stock warrants and preferred stock warrants, as applicable, will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the warrants, in addition to the securities otherwise receivable upon exercise of the warrants and without paying any additional consideration, the amount of stock and other securities and property such holders would have been entitled to receive had they held the common stock or preferred stock, as applicable, issuable under the warrants on the dates on which holders of those securities received or became entitled to receive such additional stock and other securities and property.

 

18

---

Table of Contents

Except as stated above, the exercise price and number of securities covered by a common stock warrant or preferred stock warrant, and the amounts of other securities or property to be received, if any, upon exercise of those warrants, will not be adjusted or provided for if we issue those securities or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for those securities, or securities carrying the right to purchase those securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for those securities.

Holders of common stock warrants and preferred stock warrants may have additional rights under the following circumstances:

 

•

certain reclassifications, capital reorganizations or changes of the common stock or preferred stock, as applicable;

 

•

certain share exchanges, mergers, or similar transactions involving us and which result in changes of the common stock or preferred stock, as applicable; or

 

•

certain sales or dispositions to another entity of all or substantially all of our property and assets.

If one of the above transactions occurs and holders of our common stock or preferred stock are entitled to receive stock, securities or other property with respect to or in exchange for their securities, the holders of the common stock warrants and preferred stock warrants then outstanding, as applicable, will be entitled to receive upon exercise of their warrants the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities or property that they would have received upon the applicable transaction if they had exercised their warrants immediately before the transaction.

 

19

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the rights that we may offer under this prospectus, which consist of rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. Rights may be offered independently or together with our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or warrants offered by any prospectus supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future rights we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any rights that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplements. The terms of any rights we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.

The applicable prospectus supplements relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms of any offering of rights for which this prospectus is being delivered, including the following, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the date for determining the persons entitled to participate in the rights distribution;

 

•

the price, if any, per right;

 

•

the exercise price payable for each share of common stock, share of preferred stock or debt security upon the exercise of the rights;

 

•

the number of rights issued or to be issued to each holder;

 

•

the number and terms of the shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock or debt securities that may be purchased per each right;

 

•

the extent to which the rights are transferable;

 

•

any other terms of the rights, including the terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the rights;

 

•

the respective dates on which the holder’s ability to exercise the rights will commence and will expire;

 

•

the number of rights outstanding, if any;

 

•

a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the rights;

 

•

the extent to which the rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and

 

•

if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement entered into by us in connection with the offering of such rights.

The description in the applicable prospectus supplements of any rights that we may offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable rights agreement and/or rights certificate, which will be filed with the SEC in connection therewith.

 

20

---

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the units that we may offer under this prospectus, which may consist of one or more shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, rights or any combination of such securities. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future units we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any units that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplements. The terms of any units we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.

The applicable prospectus supplements relating to any units that we offer will include specific terms of any offering of units for which this prospectus is being delivered, including the following, to the extent applicable:

 

•

the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

 

•

whether we will apply to have the units traded on a securities exchange or securities quotation system;

 

•

a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and

 

•

how, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the purchase price paid for the units is to be allocated among the component securities.

The description in the applicable prospectus supplements of any units that we may offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable unit agreement, which will be filed with the SEC in connection therewith.

 

21

---

Table of Contents

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplements from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

•

to or through one or more underwriters or dealers;

 

•

to investors directly;

 

•

through agents; or

 

•

through any combination of these methods of sale.

Our securities may be offered and sold from time to time in one or more transaction at:

 

•

a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

•

market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

•

prices related to the prevailing market prices; or

 

•

negotiated prices.

Any of the prices at which we sell securities may be at a discount to market prices. Broker-dealers may also receive from us, as applicable, or the purchasers of the securities compensation that is not expected to exceed that customary in the types of transactions involved.

Each prospectus supplement, to the extent applicable, will describe the number and terms of the securities to which such prospectus supplement relates, including:

 

•

any over-allotment options under which underwriters, if any, may purchase additional securities;

 

•

the name or names of any underwriters or agents with whom we have entered into an arrangement with respect to the sale of such securities;

 

•

the public offering or purchase price of such securities;

 

•

any underwriting discounts or commissions or agency fees or other items constituting underwriter or agent compensation;

 

•

any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers;

 

•

any securities exchanges or markets on which the securities may be listed; and

 

•

the net proceeds we will receive from such sale.

Underwritten Offerings

If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions described above. The applicable prospectus supplement will name any underwriter involved in a sale of securities. Such securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts. Generally, the underwriters’ obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe any such underwriters in the applicable prospectus supplement, naming the underwriter and the nature of any such relationship.

 

22

---

Table of Contents

Direct Sales and Sales through Agents

We may sell securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, with respect to any sale of those securities. We also may, from time to time, authorize dealers or agents to offer and sell these securities, upon such terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, if applicable. In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, the securities offered will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with. This prospectus, one or more prospectus supplements, and the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part may be used in conjunction with one or more other registration statements to the extent permitted by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Rights Offerings

We also may sell directly to investors through subscription rights distributed to our shareholders on a pro rata basis. In connection with any distribution of subscription rights to shareholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may sell the unsubscribed shares of our securities directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.

We may also sell securities in one or more of the following transactions:

 

•

block transactions (which may involve crosses) in which a broker-dealer may sell all or a portion of the shares as agent but may position and resell all or a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

 

•

purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its own account;

 

•

ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

 

•

sales “at the market” to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise, for securities; and

 

•

sales in other ways not involving a market maker or established trading markets, including direct sales to purchasers.

We may also enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Any dealers or agents that participate in the distribution of securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and in such event, any discounts or commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on the resale of securities they realize may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

Indemnification

Underwriters, dealers and agents and remarketing firms may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the agents, dealers, underwriters or remarketing firms may be required to make.

 

23

---

Table of Contents

Stabilization

In connection with any offering of the securities hereby, certain underwriters and selling group members and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the applicable securities. These transactions may include stabilization transactions pursuant to which these persons may bid for or purchase securities for the purpose of stabilizing their market price.

The underwriters in an offering of securities may also create a “short position” for their account by selling more securities in connection with the offering than they are committed to purchase from us. In that case, the underwriters could cover all or a portion of the short position by either purchasing securities in the open market following completion of the offering of these securities or by exercising any over-allotment option granted to them by us. In addition, the managing underwriter may impose “penalty bids” under contractual arrangements with other underwriters, which means that it can reclaim from an underwriter (or any selling group member participating in the offering) for the account of the other underwriters, the selling concession for the securities that are distributed in the offering but subsequently purchased for the account of the underwriters in the open market. Any of the transactions described in this paragraph or comparable transactions that are described in any accompanying prospectus supplement may result in the maintenance of the price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. None of the transactions described in this paragraph or in an accompanying prospectus supplement are required to be taken by an underwriter and, if they are undertaken, may be discontinued at any time.

Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, under certain circumstances a person engaged in the distribution of the securities offered under this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to our securities for a specified period prior to the commencement of such distribution.

Passive Market-Making on NASDAQ

Any underwriters who are qualified market makers on The NASDAQ Capital Market may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market making bid, however, the passive market making bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded.

Remarketing Arrangements

Offered securities may also be offered and sold in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. We will identify any remarketing firm and describe the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Delayed Delivery Contracts

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize dealers acting as our agents to solicit offers by institutions to purchase securities covered by this prospectus from us at the public offering price set forth in the relevant prospectus supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in the relevant prospectus supplement. Each delayed delivery contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate principal amount of securities sold pursuant to delayed delivery contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom delayed delivery contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and

 

24

---

Table of Contents

savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions, and other institutions, but will in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except (i) the purchase by an institution of the securities covered by its delayed delivery contracts may not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which the institution is subject, and (ii) if the securities are being sold to underwriters, we will be required to have sold to such underwriters the total principal amount of the securities less the principal amount thereof covered by delayed delivery contracts. The underwriters and any other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts.

Other Relationships

Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Unless we specify otherwise in the related prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than shares of our common stock, which are listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in our securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for our securities.

 

25

---

Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by O’Melveny & Myers LLP, San Francisco, California.

EXPERTS

Stonefield Josephson, Inc., an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2009, and for each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as set forth in its report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (which report includes an explanatory paragraph as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern). Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Marcum LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2010 and for the year then ended included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as set forth in its report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (which report includes an explanatory paragraph as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern). Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

26