S-3ASR 1 d347132ds3asr.htm S-3ASR S-3ASR
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 9, 2022.

Registration No. 333-          

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-36483   47-1187261

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (Commission File Number)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

221 Crescent Street, Suite 401

Waltham, MA 02453

(617) 272-4600

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Jonathan Violin, Ph.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer

221 Crescent Street, Suite 401

Waltham, MA 02453

(617) 272-4600

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

With copies to:

 

Ryan A. Murr

Branden C. Berns

Melanie E. Neary

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

555 Mission Street, Suite 3000

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 393-8373

 

Lara S. Meisner

General Counsel and Secretary

221 Crescent Street, Suite 401

Waltham, MA 02453

(617) 272-4600

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box:  ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐


Table of Contents

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Table of Contents

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This registration statement contains the following documents:

 

   

a base prospectus which covers the offering, issuance and sale by us of an indeterminate amount of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and/or units, in each case from time to time in one or more offerings; and

 

   

a sale agreement prospectus supplement covering the offering, issuance and sale by us of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $175,000,000 of our common stock that may be issued and sold under a sale agreement, dated September 9, 2022, with Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”).

The base prospectus immediately follows this explanatory note. The specific terms of any securities to be offered pursuant to the base prospectus other than the shares under the Sale Agreement (defined below) will be specified in a prospectus supplement to the base prospectus. The specific terms of the securities to be issued and sold under the Sale Agreement are specified in the sale agreement prospectus supplement that immediately follows the base prospectus.


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS

 

 

LOGO

COMMON STOCK

PREFERRED STOCK

DEBT SECURITIES

WARRANTS

UNITS

 

 

From time to time, we may issue, in one or more series or classes, an indeterminate number of shares of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and/or units, at prices and on terms that we will determine at the time of the offering.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide specific terms of the securities offered in a supplement to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. We may not sell any securities under this prospectus without delivery of the applicable prospectus supplement. If information in any prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the information in this prospectus, then the information in that prospectus supplement will apply and will supersede the information in this prospectus.

You should read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus carefully, as well as any documents incorporated by reference, before you invest in any of the securities being offered.

Our shares of common stock are listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VRDN.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 7, 2022 was $22.49 per share. We recommend that you obtain current market quotations for our common stock prior to making an investment decision.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus beginning on page 5 and any applicable prospectus supplement, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into 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.

 

 

Prospectus dated September 9, 2022


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     1  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     2  

THE COMPANY

     4  

RISK FACTORS

     5  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     6  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     7  

SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

     8  

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

     9  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     21  

LEGAL MATTERS

     23  

EXPERTS

     23  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     24  

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

     25  


Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”), as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.

Each time we sell securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in any documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should carefully read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information under the headings “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.”

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, along with the information contained in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. This prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of the document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is delivered, or securities are sold, on a later date.

Unless the context otherwise requires, we use the terms “Viridian,” “company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” in this prospectus to refer to Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. and, where appropriate, our subsidiaries.

 

1


Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, including the documents that we incorporate by reference herein, contains, and any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus including the documents we incorporate by reference therein may contain, forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this prospectus and the documents referenced above, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “predict,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “goals,” or “should,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties.

Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, statements relating to:

 

   

our future research and development activities, including clinical testing and the costs and timing thereof;

 

   

our strategy, including clinical development of VRDN-001, VRDN-002, VRDN-003 and other product candidates, and the clinical and commercial potential of our product candidates, if approved;

 

   

the sufficiency of our cash resources;

 

   

our ability to raise additional funding when needed;

 

   

any statements concerning anticipated regulatory activities or licensing or collaborative arrangements;

 

   

business interruptions resulting from the coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) outbreak or similar public health crises, which could cause a disruption in the development of our product candidates and adversely impact our business;

 

   

our research and development and other expenses;

 

   

our operations and legal risks;

 

   

developments relating to our competitors and our industry, including competing product candidates and therapies; and

 

   

any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements, including the factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and the risk factors and cautionary statements described in other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, specifically under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as may be updated by subsequent annual, quarterly and other reports that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this prospectus, including the documents we incorporate by reference, in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors.

Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ

 

2


Table of Contents

materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this prospectus may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

 

3


Table of Contents

THE COMPANY

We are a biotechnology company advancing new treatments for patients with serious diseases that are underserved by today’s therapies. Marketed therapies often leave room for improvements in efficacy, safety, and/or dosing convenience. We believe that first-generation drugs rarely represent optimal solutions, and that the potential exists to develop alternatives that improve patient outcomes, moderate side effects, enhance quality of life, ease access and augment market competition. Our business model is to identify product opportunities in indications for which clinical trial data demonstrating compelling proof of concept for a targeted mechanism of action already exists, but the competitive evolution of product profiles and number of entrants appears incomplete. We intend to prioritize indications that fast-follower and bio superior competition could create significant medical benefit for patients.

Corporate Information

We were initially founded as a Delaware limited liability company in January 2010 and subsequently incorporated as a Delaware corporation in June 2014. On October 27, 2020, pursuant to the merger agreement between miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. and Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. (“Private Viridian”), we acquired Private Viridian and on January 20, 2021, we changed our name from Miragen Therapeutics, Inc. to Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. Our common stock currently trades on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “VRDN.”

Our principal executive office is located at 221 Crescent Street, Suite 401, Waltham, MA 02453, and our telephone number is (617) 272-4600. Our website address is www.viridiantherapeutics.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus. We have included our website in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.

 

4


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as may be updated by subsequent annual, quarterly and other reports that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The risks described in these documents are not the only ones we face, but those that we consider to be material. There may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that could have material adverse effects on our future results. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could be adversely affected, which could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment. Please also read carefully the discussion above under the heading “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

5


Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

We will retain broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, the net proceeds from the sale by us of the securities to which this prospectus relates will be used to further our preclinical and clinical development programs, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the proceeds to license, acquire or invest in new programs or for drug development activities related to such programs, however, we have no current commitments to do so. Our expected use of proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby represents our current intentions based on our present plans and business condition. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot predict with certainty all of the particular uses for the proceeds to be received from the sale of the securities offered hereby or the amounts that we will actually spend on the uses set forth above.

Pending the use of the net proceeds, we may invest the proceeds in interest-bearing, investment-grade securities, certificates of deposit or government securities. When we offer and sell the securities to which this prospectus relates, the prospectus supplement related to such offering will set forth our intended use of the proceeds, if any, received from the sale of such securities.

 

6


Table of Contents

DIVIDEND POLICY

We historically have not, and do not anticipate in the future, paying dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, as applicable, to finance the growth and development of our business. In addition to legal restrictions under applicable law, we are subject to certain dividend-related limitations under our loan and security agreement with Hercules Capital, Inc. Subject to these limitations, any future determination as to the payment of cash dividends on our common stock will be at our board of directors’ discretion and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, and other factors that our board of directors considers to be relevant.

 

7


Table of Contents

SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

This prospectus contains summary descriptions of the securities we may offer from time to time. These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security. The particular terms of any security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

8


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

The following is a summary of the material terms of our capital stock, as well as other material terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“certificate of incorporation”), and amended and restated bylaws (“bylaws”) and certain provisions of Delaware law. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. For more information on how you can obtain our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, see the heading “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”), including 435,000 shares of Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”), and 500,000 shares of Series B Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”). As of September 1, 2022, 39,898,179 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding, 193,539 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding and 51,210 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding.

Common Stock

Voting Rights

Each holder of our Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, except on matters relating solely to terms of Preferred Stock. Under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights. Because of this, the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote in any election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose.

Dividends

Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then-outstanding Preferred Stock, holders of our Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably those dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of legally available funds.

Liquidation

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any then-outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.

Rights and Preferences

Holders of our Common Stock do not have any preemptive, conversion or subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock. 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.

Fully Paid and Nonassessable

All of our outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

9


Table of Contents

Registration Rights

Certain of the holders of our Common Stock are entitled to rights with respect to the registration of such securities as set forth below under the Securities Act. These rights are provided under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement between us and certain holders of our Common Stock. Under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, we have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 to sell registrable securities. We are required to use commercially reasonable efforts to effect a registration of such shares. The Registration Rights Agreement does not include demand registration rights or piggyback registration rights. All fees, costs and expenses of underwritten registrations under these agreements will be borne by us and all selling expenses, including underwriting discounts and selling commissions, will be borne by the holders of the shares being registered.

Indemnification

The Registration Rights Agreement contains customary cross-indemnification provisions, under which we are obligated to indemnify holders of registrable securities in the event of material misstatements or omissions in the registration statement attributable to us, and they are obligated to indemnify us for material misstatements or omissions attributable to them.

Expenses of Registration

We are generally required to bear all registration and selling expenses incurred in connection with the registration described above, other than underwriting discounts and selling commissions.

Our Certificate of Incorporation and Our Bylaws

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that:

 

   

authorized number of directors can be changed only by resolution of our board of directors;

 

   

our bylaws may be amended or repealed by our board of directors or stockholders;

 

   

stockholders may not call special meetings of the stockholders or fill vacancies on our board of directors;

 

   

our stockholders may remove our directors only for cause;

 

   

all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law or subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock as designated from time to time, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;

 

   

our board of directors will be authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, Preferred Stock, the rights of which will be determined at the discretion of our board of directors and that, if issued, could operate as a “poison pill” to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer to prevent an acquisition that ours board of directors does not approve;

 

   

our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights, and therefore our stockholders holding a majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding will be able to elect all of our directors;

 

   

our stockholders must comply with advance notice provisions to bring business before or nominate directors for election at a stockholder meeting; and

 

   

the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employee to us or our stockholders, (3) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or (4) any action asserting a claim

 

10


Table of Contents
 

against us governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, these choice of forum provisions do not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and its policies and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened acquisition of us. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, these provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they may also reduce fluctuations in the market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“Section 203”). Section 203 generally prohibits a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

   

prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

   

upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding upon consummation of the transaction, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding (i) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

   

on or subsequent to the consummation of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Section 203 defines a “business combination” to include:

 

   

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

 

   

any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition involving the interested stockholder of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation;

 

   

subject to exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

 

   

any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; and

 

   

the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as an entity or person who, together with the person’s affiliates and associates, beneficially owns, or within three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation.

 

11


Table of Contents

Potential Effects of Authorized but Unissued Stock

Our shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval. We may utilize these additional shares for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to facilitate corporate acquisitions or payment as a dividend on the capital stock. The existence of unissued and unreserved Common Stock and Preferred Stock may enable our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management or to issue Preferred Stock with terms that could render more difficult or discourage a third-party attempt to obtain control by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, thereby protecting the continuity of our management. In addition, our board of directors has the discretion to determine designations, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences of each series of Preferred Stock, all to the fullest extent permissible under the Delaware General Corporation Law and subject to any limitations set forth in our certificate of incorporation. The purpose of authorizing the board of directors to issue Preferred Stock and to determine the rights and preferences applicable to such Preferred Stock is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible financings, acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

Amendments to Governing Documents

Generally, the amendment of our certificate of incorporation requires approval by our board of directors and a majority vote of stockholders. Any amendment to our bylaws requires the approval of either a majority of our board of directors or approval of at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of our outstanding capital stock in elections of our board of directors.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our Common Stock, our Series A Preferred Stock and our Series B Preferred Stock is VStock Transfer, LLC. The transfer agent and registrar’s address is 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598.

Listing

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VRDN.”

Preferred Stock

Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders (unless such stockholder action is required by applicable law or stock exchange listing rules), to designate and issue up to 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, to fix the designations, powers, preferences, privileges and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the Common Stock, and to increase or decrease the number of shares of any such series, but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding.

Our board of directors, without stockholder approval, can issue Preferred Stock with voting, conversion or other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of Common Stock. Preferred Stock could be issued quickly with terms designed to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of decreasing the market price of the Common Stock and may adversely affect the voting power

 

12


Table of Contents

of holders of Common Stock and reduce the likelihood that holders of our Common Stock will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation.

We will fix the designations, voting powers, preferences and rights of the Preferred Stock of each series we issue, as well as the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, in the certificate of designation relating to that series. We will describe the terms of the series of Preferred Stock being offered, including, to the extent applicable:

 

   

the title and stated value;

 

   

the number of shares we are offering;

 

   

the liquidation preference per share;

 

   

the purchase price;

 

   

the dividend rate, period and payment date and method of calculation for dividends;

 

   

whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends will accumulate;

 

   

the procedures for any auction and remarketing;

 

   

the provisions for a sinking fund;

 

   

the provisions for redemption or repurchase and any restrictions on our ability to exercise those redemption and repurchase rights;

 

   

any listing of the Preferred Stock on any securities exchange or market;

 

   

whether the Preferred Stock will be convertible into our Common Stock, and the conversion rate or conversion price, or how they will be calculated, and the conversion period;

 

   

whether the Preferred Stock will be exchangeable into debt securities, and the exchange rate or exchange price, or how they will be calculated, and the exchange period;

 

   

voting rights of the Preferred Stock;

 

   

preemptive rights;

 

   

restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment;

 

   

whether interests in the Preferred Stock will be represented by depositary shares;

 

   

a discussion of material or special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the Preferred Stock;

 

   

the relative ranking and preferences of the Preferred Stock as to dividend rights and rights if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs;

 

   

any limitations on the issuance of any class or series of Preferred Stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the series of Preferred Stock as to dividend rights and rights if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs; and

 

   

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

If we issue shares of Preferred Stock, the shares will be fully paid and nonassessable.

The issuance of Preferred Stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of Common Stock and reduce the likelihood that the holders of our Common Stock will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation. The issuance could have the effect of decreasing the market price of the Common Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock also could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us.

 

13


Table of Contents

Debt Securities

The paragraphs below describe the general terms and provisions of the debt securities we may issue. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the securities in a supplement to this prospectus, including any additional covenants or changes to existing covenants relating to such series. The prospectus supplement also will indicate whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities. You should read the actual indenture if you do not fully understand a term or the way we use it in this prospectus.

If we issue debt securities at a discount from their principal amount, then, for purposes of calculating the aggregate initial offering price of the offered securities issued under this prospectus, we will include only the initial offering price of the debt securities and not the principal amount of the debt securities.

We have summarized below the material provisions of the indenture, or indicated which material provisions will be described in the related prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement relating to any particular securities offered will describe the specific terms of the securities, which may be in addition to or different from the general terms summarized in this prospectus. We have included the form of the indenture as an exhibit to our registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and it is incorporated into this prospectus by reference. Because the summary in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information that you may find useful, you should read the documents relating to the securities that are described in this prospectus or in any applicable prospectus supplement. Please read “Where You Can Find Additional Information” in this prospectus to find out how you can obtain a copy of those documents. References below to an “indenture” are references to the indenture, as supplemented, under which a particular series of debt securities is issued. As used under this caption, the term “debt securities” includes the debt securities being offered by this prospectus and all other debt securities issued by us under the indenture.

General

The indenture:

 

   

does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue;

 

   

allows us to issue debt securities in one or more series;

 

   

does not require us to issue all of the debt securities of a series at the same time; and

 

   

allows us to reopen a series to issue additional debt securities without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series.

The prospectus supplement for each offering of debt securities will provide the following terms, where applicable:

 

   

the title of the debt securities and whether they are senior, senior subordinated or subordinated debt securities;

 

   

the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities being offered and any limit on their aggregate principal amount, and, if the series is to be issued at a discount from its face amount, the method of computing the accretion of such discount;

 

   

the price at which the debt securities will be issued, expressed as a percentage of the principal and, if other than the full principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount thereof payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or, if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of such debt securities that is convertible into common stock or preferred stock or the method by which any such portion shall be determined;

 

14


Table of Contents
   

if convertible, the terms on which such debt securities are convertible, including the initial conversion price or rate or the method of calculation, how and when the conversion price or exchange ratio may be adjusted, whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, the conversion or exchange period, and any other provision in relation thereto, and any applicable

 

   

limitations on the ownership or transferability of common stock or preferred stock received on conversion;

 

   

the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable;

 

   

the fixed or variable interest rate or rates of the debt securities, or the method by which the interest rate or rates is determined;

 

   

the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, from which interest will accrue;

 

   

the dates on which interest will be payable;

 

   

the record dates for interest payment dates, or the method by which we will determine those dates;

 

   

the persons to whom interest will be payable;

 

   

the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

 

   

Any collateral securing the performance of our obligations under the debt securities;

 

   

the place or places where the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities will be payable;

 

   

where the debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or conversion or exchange;

 

   

where notices or demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities and the applicable indenture may be served;

 

   

any provisions regarding our right to redeem or purchase debt securities or the right of holders to require us to redeem or purchase debt securities;

 

   

any right or obligation we have to redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision;

 

   

the currency or currencies (including any composite currency) in which the debt securities are denominated and payable if other than United States dollars, and the currency or currencies (including any composite currency) in which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable, and if such payments may be made in a currency other than that in which the debt securities are denominated, the manner for determining such payments, including the time and manner of determining the exchange rate between the currency in which such securities are denominated and the currency in which such securities or any of them may be paid, and any additions to, modifications of or deletions from the terms of the debt securities to provide for or to facilitate the issuance of debt securities denominated or payable in a currency other than U.S. dollars;

 

   

whether the amount of payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities may be determined according to an index, formula or other method and how such amounts will be determined;

 

   

whether the debt securities will be in registered form, bearer form or both, and the terms of these forms;

 

   

whether the debt securities will be issued in whole or in part in the form of a global security and, if applicable, the identity of the depositary for such global security;

 

15


Table of Contents
   

any provision for electronic issuance of the debt securities or issuance of the debt securities in uncertificated form;

 

   

whether and upon what terms the debt securities of such series may be defeased or discharged, if different from the provisions set forth in the indenture for the series to which the supplemental indenture or authorizing resolution relates;

 

   

any provisions granting special rights to holders of securities upon the occurrence of such events as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement;

 

   

any deletions from, modifications of, or additions to our events of default or covenants or other provisions set forth in the indenture for the series to which the supplemental indenture or authorizing resolution relates; and

 

   

any other material terms of the debt securities, which may be different from the terms set forth in this prospectus.

We may issue debt securities at a discount below their principal amount and provide for less than the entire principal amount thereof to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities. We refer to any such debt securities throughout this prospectus as “original issue discount securities.” The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the United States federal income tax consequences and other relevant considerations applicable to original issue discount securities.

Neither the Delaware General Corporation Law nor our governing instruments define the term “substantially all” as it relates to the sale of assets. Additionally, Delaware cases interpreting the term “substantially all” rely upon the facts and circumstances of each particular case. Consequently, to determine whether a sale of “substantially all” of our assets has occurred, a holder of debt securities must review the financial and other information that we have disclosed to the public.

The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe any material covenants to which a series of debt securities will be subject and the applicability of those covenants to any of our subsidiaries to be restricted thereby, which are referred to herein as “restricted subsidiaries.” The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe provisions for restricted subsidiaries to cease to be restricted by those covenants.

Events of Default

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, when we refer to “events of default” as defined in the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities, we mean:

 

   

our failure to pay interest on any debt security of such series when the same becomes due and payable and the continuance of any such failure for a period of 30 days;

 

   

our failure to pay the principal or premium of any debt security of such series when the same becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise;

 

   

our failure or the failure of any restricted subsidiary to comply with any of its agreements or covenants in, or provisions of, the debt securities of such series or the indenture (as they relate thereto) and such failure continues for a period of 60 days after our receipt of notice of the default from the trustee or from the holders of at least 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of that series (except in the case of a default with respect to the provisions of the indenture regarding the consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of us (or any other provision specified in the applicable supplemental indenture or authorizing resolution), which will constitute an event of default with notice but without passage of time); or

 

16


Table of Contents
   

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur with respect to Viridian or any restricted subsidiary of Viridian that is a significant subsidiary (as defined in the indenture).

If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to debt securities of any series outstanding, then the trustee or the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. However, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences, except an acceleration due to nonpayment of principal or interest on such series, if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing events of default with respect to such series have been cured or waived.

The indenture also provides that the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series, by notice to the trustee, may, on behalf of all holders, waive any existing default and its consequences with respect to such series of debt securities, other than any event of default in payment of principal or interest.

The indenture will require the trustee to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days after the trustee obtains knowledge of a default that has occurred and is continuing. However, the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default, except a default in payment of principal or interest, if any, with respect to such series of debt securities, if the trustee considers it in the interest of the holders of such series of debt securities to do so.

The holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceedings for any remedy available to the trustee with respect to such series, subject to limitations specified in the indenture.

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

Without notice to or the consent of any holder, we and the trustee may amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities of a series:

 

   

to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;

 

   

to comply with the provisions of the indenture regarding the consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

   

to provide that specific provisions of the indenture shall not apply to a series of debt securities not previously issued or to make a change to specific provisions of the indenture that only applies to any series of debt securities not previously issued or to additional debt securities of a series not previously issued;

 

   

to create a series and establish its terms;

 

   

to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;

 

   

to release a guarantor in respect of any series which, in accordance with the terms of the indenture applicable to such series, ceases to be liable in respect of its guarantee;

 

   

to add a guarantor subsidiary in respect of any series of debt securities;

 

   

to secure any series of debt securities;

 

   

to add to the covenants of Viridian for the benefit of the holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon Viridian;

 

   

to appoint a successor trustee with respect to the securities;

 

17


Table of Contents
   

to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

 

   

to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of holders; or

 

   

to conform the provisions of the indenture to the final offering document in respect of any series of debt securities.

The indenture will provide that we and the trustee may amend or supplement any provision of the debt securities of a series or of the indenture relating to such series with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series. However, without the consent of each holder of a debt security the terms of which are directly amended, supplemented or waived, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not:

 

   

reduce the amount of debt securities of such series whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

   

reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest, including defaulted interest;

 

   

reduce the principal of or extend the fixed maturity of any debt security or alter the provisions with respect to redemptions or mandatory offers to repurchase debt securities of a series in a manner adverse to holders;

 

   

make any change that adversely affects any right of a holder to convert or exchange any debt security into or for shares of our common stock or other securities, cash or other property in accordance with the terms of such security;

 

   

modify the ranking or priority of the debt securities of the relevant series;

 

   

release any guarantor of any series from any of its obligations under its guarantee or the indenture otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the indenture;

 

   

make any change to any provision of the indenture relating to the waiver of existing defaults, the rights of holders to receive payment of principal and interest on the debt securities, or to the provisions regarding amending or supplementing the indenture or the debt securities of a particular series with the written consent of the holders of such series, except to increase the percentage required for modification or waiver or to provide for consent of each affected holder of debt securities of such series;

 

   

waive a continuing default or event of default in the payment of principal of or interest on the debt securities; or

 

   

make any debt security payable at a place or in money other than that stated in the debt security, or impair the right of any holder of a debt security to bring suit as permitted by the indenture.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive any existing default under, or compliance with, any provision of the debt securities of a particular series or of the indenture relating to a particular series of debt securities, other than any event of default in payment of interest or principal.

Defeasance

The indenture will permit us to terminate all our respective obligations under the indenture as they relate to any particular series of debt securities, other than the obligation to pay interest, if any, on and the principal of the debt securities of such series and certain other obligations, at any time by:

 

   

depositing in trust with the trustee, under an irrevocable trust agreement, money or government obligations in an amount sufficient to pay principal of and interest, if any, on the debt securities of such series to their maturity or redemption; and

 

18


Table of Contents
   

complying with other conditions, including delivery to the trustee of an opinion of counsel to the effect that holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of our exercise of such right and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case otherwise.

The indenture will also permit us to terminate all of our respective obligations under the indenture as they relate to any particular series of debt securities, including the obligations to pay interest, if any, on and the principal of the debt securities of such series and certain other obligations, at any time by:

 

   

depositing in trust with the trustee, under an irrevocable trust agreement, money or government obligations in an amount sufficient to pay principal and interest, if any, on the debt securities of such series to their maturity or redemption; and

 

   

complying with other conditions, including delivery to the trustee of an opinion of counsel to the effect that (A) we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (B) since the date such series of debt securities were originally issued, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall state that, holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of our exercise of such right and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case otherwise.

In addition, the indenture will permit us to terminate substantially all our respective obligations under the indenture as they relate to a particular series of debt securities by depositing with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all principal and interest on such series at its maturity or redemption date if the debt securities of such series will become due and payable at maturity within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year of the deposit.

Transfer and Exchange

A holder will be able to transfer or exchange debt securities only in accordance with the indenture. The registrar may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the indenture.

Concerning the Trustee

The indenture will contain limitations on the rights of the trustee, should it become our creditor, to obtain payment of claims in specified cases or to realize on property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The indenture will permit the trustee to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

The indenture will provide that in case an event of default occurs and is not cured, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent person in similar circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs. The trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders pursuant to the indenture, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

No Recourse Against Others

The indenture will provide that there is no recourse under any obligation, covenant or agreement in the applicable indenture or with respect to any debt security against any of our or our successor’s past, present or future stockholders, employees, officers or directors.

 

19


Table of Contents

Governing Law

The laws of the State of New York will govern the indenture and the debt securities.

Warrants

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series, from time to time. We may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from those securities.

If we issue warrants, they will be evidenced by warrant agreements or warrant certificates issued under one or more warrant agreements, which are contracts between us and an agent for the holders of the warrants. We urge you to read the prospectus supplement related to any series of warrants we may offer, as well as the complete warrant agreement and warrant certificate that contain the terms of the warrants. If we issue warrants, forms of warrant agreements and warrant certificates relating to warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock and debt securities will be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part from reports we would subsequently file with the SEC.

Units

We may issue units consisting of any combination of the other types of securities offered under this prospectus in one or more series. We may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that we will issue under a separate agreement. We may enter into unit agreements with a unit agent. Each unit agent will be a bank or trust company that we select. We will indicate the name and address of the unit agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of units.

The following description, together with the additional information included in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the general features of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. You should read any prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you related to the series of units being offered, as well as the complete unit agreements that contain the terms of the units. Specific unit agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and we will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from another report that we file with the SEC, the form of each unit agreement relating to units offered under this prospectus.

If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following, as applicable:

 

   

the title of the series of units;

 

   

identification and description of the separate constituent securities comprising the units;

 

   

the price or prices at which the units will be issued;

 

   

the date, if any, on and after which the constituent securities comprising the units will be separately transferable;

 

   

a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and

 

   

any other terms of the units and their constituent securities.

 

20


Table of Contents

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities to or through underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers. We may distribute securities from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

   

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

 

   

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

   

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

 

   

at negotiated prices.

We may also sell equity securities covered by this registration statement in an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act. Such offering may be made into an existing trading market for such securities in transactions at other than a fixed price, either:

 

   

on or through the facilities of The Nasdaq Capital Market or any other securities exchange or quotation or trading service on which such securities may be listed, quoted or traded at the time of sale; and/or

 

   

to or through a market maker otherwise than on The Nasdaq Capital Market or such other securities exchanges or quotation or trading services.

Such at the market offerings, if any, may be conducted by underwriters acting as principal or agent.

A prospectus supplement or supplements (and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:

 

   

the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, if any;

 

   

the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale;

 

   

any options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;

 

   

any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation;

 

   

any public offering price;

 

   

any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and

 

   

any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement are underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. We may offer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may change from time to time. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement, naming the underwriter, the nature of any such relationship.

 

21


Table of Contents

We may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities, and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by certain types of institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of these contracts in the prospectus supplement.

We may provide agents and underwriters with indemnification against civil liabilities related to offerings pursuant to this prospectus, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Agents and underwriters may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

All securities we offer, other than our shares of common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.

Any underwriter may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions, short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time. These transactions may be effected on any exchange or over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Any underwriters who are qualified market makers on The Nasdaq Capital Market may engage in passive market making transactions in the securities on The Nasdaq Capital Market in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the securities. 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 maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

22


Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters, including the legality of the securities offered, will be passed upon for us by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, San Francisco, California. Additional legal matters may be passed upon for us or any underwriters, dealers or agents, by counsel that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the years then ended have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting

 

23


Table of Contents

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including any amendments to those reports, and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act can also be accessed free of charge through the Internet. These filings will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

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 our subsidiaries 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.

 

24


Table of Contents

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file after the date hereof with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below:

 

   

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on March 11, 2022 (and any portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 27, 2022 that are incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021);

 

   

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2022, and June 30, 2022 filed with the SEC on August 15, 2022;

 

   

Current Reports on Form 8-K (other than information furnished rather than filed) filed with the SEC on April 5, 2022June 10, 2022June 23, 2022August  16, 2022 and August 19, 2022; and

 

   

The description of our common stock contained in Exhibit 4.5 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on March 11, 2022, including any amendments or reports filed for the purposes of updating this description.

All documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a part of this prospectus from the date of filing of those documents, with the exception of any portion of any report or document that is not deemed “filed” under such provisions on or after the date of this prospectus, until the earlier of the date on which: (1) all of the securities registered hereunder have been sold; or (2) the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part has been withdrawn.

Under no circumstances will any information filed under current items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K be deemed incorporated herein by reference unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary.

Upon written or oral request, we will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of the prospectus is delivered a copy of the documents incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference herein). You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing, calling or emailing us at the contact information set forth below. We have authorized no one to provide you with any information that differs from that contained in this prospectus. Accordingly, we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the front cover of this prospectus.

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.

221 Crescent Street, Suite 401

Waltham, MA 02453

(617) 272-4600

 

25


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

$175,000,000

 

 

LOGO

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.

Common Stock

 

 

We have entered into an Open Market Sale AgreementSM (the “Sale Agreement”) with Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”), relating to shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the Sale Agreement, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $175,000,000 from time to time through Jefferies acting as our sales agent.

Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VRDN.” On September 7, 2022, the last reported sale price per share of our common stock was $22.49.

Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be made through a sale that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Jefferies is not required to sell any specific amount of our common stock but will act as our sales agent and use commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf all of the shares of common stock requested to be sold by us, consistent with its normal sales and trading practices, on mutually agreed terms between Jefferies and us. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

Jefferies will receive from us a commission of 3.0% of the gross proceeds of any shares of common stock sold under the Sale Agreement. In connection with the sale of our common stock on our behalf, Jefferies will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of Jefferies will be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions. We have agreed to indemnify Jefferies against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute payments that Jefferies may be required to make because of such liabilities.

 

 

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus, as well as those contained in the other documents that are incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus. You should carefully read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including any information incorporated by reference, before deciding whether to purchase shares of our common stock.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

Jefferies

Prospectus Supplement dated September 9, 2022.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

     PAGE  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

     S-1  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     S-3  

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

     S-5  

THE OFFERING

     S-6  

RISK FACTORS

     S-8  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     S-10  

DILUTION

     S-11  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     S-13  

EXPERTS

     S-15  

LEGAL MATTERS

     S-16  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     S-17  

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

     S-17  


Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This prospectus supplement is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may sell an unspecified amount of securities from time to time. Under this prospectus supplement, we may offer shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $175,000,000 from time to time at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering.

This document contains two parts: this prospectus supplement, which provides you with specific information about this offering, and the accompanying prospectus, which provides more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. Generally, when we refer only to the “prospectus,” we are referring to both parts combined. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in the accompanying prospectus. To the extent that any statement we make in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in the accompanying prospectus, or any documents incorporated by reference, the statements made in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to modify or supersede those made in the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference therein. Information in any document we subsequently file that is incorporated by reference shall modify or supersede the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and documents incorporated by reference prior to such subsequent filing. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents we have referred you to in the section entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information” below in this prospectus supplement.

We are responsible for the information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. We are not making offers to sell the securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or permitted or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation. The information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering speaks only as of the date of this document, unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. Neither the delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, nor any sale of securities made under these documents, will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, nor that the information contained or incorporated by reference is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information. You should assume that the information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering is accurate only as of the date of the documents containing the information, unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

 

S-1


Table of Contents

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the shares of common stock to which it relates, nor do this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus concerning our industry and the markets in which we operate, including market position and market opportunity, is based on information from our management’s estimates, as well as from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information, our knowledge of our industry and assumptions based on such information and knowledge, which we believe to be reasonable. However, assumptions and estimates of our future performance, and the future performance of our industry are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement and the risk factors incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. These and other important factors could result in our estimates and assumptions being materially different from future results. You should read the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus completely and with the understanding that future results may be materially different and worse from what we expect. See the information included under the heading “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, throughout this prospectus supplement, the words “Viridian,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” refer to Viridian Therapeutics, Inc., and the term “securities” refers to shares of our common stock.

 

S-2


Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, including the documents that we incorporate by reference herein, contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the documents referenced above, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “predict,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “goals,” or “should,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties.

Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, statements relating to:

 

   

our future research and development activities, including clinical testing and the costs and timing thereof;

 

   

our strategy, including clinical development of VRDN-001, VRDN-002, VRDN-003 and other product candidates, and the clinical and commercial potential of our product candidates, if approved;

 

   

the sufficiency of our cash resources;

 

   

our ability to raise additional funding when needed;

 

   

any statements concerning anticipated regulatory activities or licensing or collaborative arrangements;

 

   

business interruptions resulting from the coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) outbreak or similar public health crises, which could cause a disruption in the development of our product candidates and adversely impact our business;

 

   

our research and development and other expenses;

 

   

our operations and legal risks;

 

   

developments relating to our competitors and our industry, including competing product candidates and therapies; and

 

   

any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements, including the factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the risk factors and cautionary statements described in other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, specifically under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as may be updated by subsequent annual, quarterly and other reports that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents we incorporate by reference, in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors.

Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially

 

S-3


Table of Contents

from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

 

S-4


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

The following summary of our business highlights certain of the information contained elsewhere in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should carefully read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including any information incorporated by reference, which are described under the headings “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” herein and therein. In particular, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus, as well as those contained in the other documents incorporated by reference herein and any related free writing prospectus.

Company Overview

We are a biotechnology company advancing new treatments for patients with serious diseases that are underserved by today’s therapies. Marketed therapies often leave room for improvements in efficacy, safety, and/or dosing convenience. We believe that first-generation drugs rarely represent optimal solutions, and that the potential exists to develop alternatives that improve patient outcomes, moderate side effects, enhance quality of life, ease access and augment market competition. Our business model is to identify product opportunities in indications for which clinical trial data demonstrating compelling proof of concept for a targeted mechanism of action already exists, but the competitive evolution of product profiles and number of entrants appears incomplete. We intend to prioritize indications that fast-follower and bio superior competition could create significant medical benefit for patients.

Corporate History and Information

We were initially founded as a Delaware limited liability company in January 2010 and subsequently incorporated as a Delaware corporation in June 2014. On October 27, 2020, pursuant to the merger agreement between miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. and Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. (“Private Viridian”), we acquired Private Viridian and on January 20, 2021, we changed our name from Miragen Therapeutics, Inc. to Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. Our common stock currently trades on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “VRDN.”

Our principal executive office is located at 221 Crescent Street, Suite 401, Waltham, MA 02453, and our telephone number is (617) 272-4600. Our website address is www.viridiantherapeutics.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus supplement. We have included our website in this prospectus supplement solely as an inactive textual reference.

 

S-5


Table of Contents

THE OFFERING

 

Common stock offered by us pursuant to this prospectus supplement

Shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $175,000,000.

 

Common stock to be outstanding immediately
after this offering

Up to 47,597,856 shares of our common stock, assuming sales of 7,781,236 shares of our common stock in this offering at a public offering price of $22.49 per share, which was the last reported sale price per share of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 7, 2022. The actual number of shares of our common stock issued will vary depending on the sales price under this offering.

 

Plan of distribution

“At the market offering” that may be made from time to time through Jefferies acting as our sales agent. See “Plan of Distribution” for additional information.

 

Use of proceeds

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to further our clinical development programs, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” for additional information.

 

Risk factors

You should read and consider the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus, together with the risk factors and cautionary statements described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, incorporated by reference herein, before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

 

Nasdaq Capital Market Symbol

“VRDN”

The number of shares of common stock to be outstanding after this offering (i) is based on 28,463,980 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2022, (ii) includes 11,352,640 shares of our common stock issued subsequent to June 30, 2022 in an underwritten public offering that we conducted in August 2022 and (iii) excludes the following, in each case as of June 30, 2022 (unless otherwise noted):

 

   

12,903,245 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”);

 

   

3,414,170 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”), which is inclusive of the 1,872,360 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock issued in an underwritten public offering that we conducted in August 2022;

 

   

5,409,700 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options under our 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”), our Amended and Restated 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”), our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) and stock options granted outside of the 2016 Plan as an inducement material to certain employees entering into employment with the Company, having a weighted-average exercise price of $16.70 per share;

 

S-6


Table of Contents
   

420,629 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants having a weighted-average exercise price of $15.91 per share;

 

   

3,882,163 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2016 Plan; and

 

   

316,437 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

As of September 1, 2022, 204,948 shares of Series A Preferred Stock had been converted into 13,663,815 shares of common stock and no shares of Series B Preferred Stock had been converted into common stock.

Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of stock options or warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2022.

 

S-7


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors and other information included in this prospectus supplement should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we presently deem less significant may also impair our business operations. You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as those contained in the other documents incorporated by reference and any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, before deciding whether to invest in our common stock. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In any such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Relating to this Offering

We have broad discretion as to the use of proceeds from this offering and may not use the proceeds effectively.

Our management will retain broad discretion as to the allocation of the proceeds and may spend these proceeds in ways in which you may not agree. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. The failure of our management to apply these funds effectively could result in unfavorable returns and uncertainty about our prospects, each of which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.

If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution.

Some or all of the public offering price per share in this offering may exceed the as-adjusted net tangible book value per share of our outstanding common stock. After giving effect to an assumed sale of shares of common stock in the aggregate amount of $175,000,000 at an assumed public offering price of $22.49 per share, which was the last reported sale price per share of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 7, 2022, and after deducting the commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, you would incur immediate and substantial dilution in the amount of $16.35 per share. In addition, you may also experience additional dilution after this offering on any future equity issuances, including the issuance of common stock in connection with the 2008 Plan, the 2016 Plan and the 2020 Plan. To the extent we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our stockholders will experience substantial additional dilution. See “Dilution” for additional information.

It is not possible to predict the aggregate proceeds resulting from sales made under the Sale Agreement.

Subject to certain limitations in the Sale Agreement and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver an issuance notice to Jefferies at any time throughout the term of the Sale Agreement. The number of shares that are sold through Jefferies after delivering an issuance notice, if any, will fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the market price of shares of our common stock during the sales period, the limits we set with Jefferies in any applicable issuance notice and the demand for shares of our common stock during the sales period. Because the price per share of each share of common stock sold pursuant to the Sale Agreement will fluctuate during this offering, it is not currently possible to predict the number of shares of common stock that will be sold or the aggregate proceeds we will raise in connection with those sales under the Sale Agreement, and we may not sell any shares of common stock.

 

S-8


Table of Contents

If securities or industry analysts either do not publish research about us or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our common stock adversely, the trading price or trading volume of our common stock could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will be influenced in part by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts may publish about us, our business, our market, or our competitors. If one or more of these analysts initiate research with an unfavorable rating or downgrade our common stock, provide a more favorable recommendation about our competitors or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our common stock price would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover us were to cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the trading price or trading volume of our common stock to decline.

 

S-9


Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

We may issue and sell shares of our common stock having aggregate sales proceeds of up to $175,000,000 from time to time. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. There can be no assurance that we will sell any shares under or fully utilize the Sale Agreement with Jefferies as a source of financing.

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to further our clinical development programs, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. The expected use of net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and business conditions evolve. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of our clinical trials and other development efforts and other factors described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, as well as the amount of cash used in our operations. We may find it necessary or advisable to use the net proceeds for other purposes, and management will have broad discretion in the timing and application of the net proceeds.

Pending the use of the net proceeds, we may invest the proceeds in interest-bearing, investment-grade securities, certificates of deposit or government securities.

 

S-10


Table of Contents

DILUTION

Dilution represents the difference between the amount per share of common stock paid by purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering and the as-adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. The data in this section are derived from our balance sheet as of June 30, 2022. Net tangible book value per share of common stock is equal to our total tangible assets less the amount of our total liabilities, divided by the sum of the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2022, excluding shares of common stock underlying outstanding options. Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2022 was $141.9 million, or $4.99 per share of common stock. For purposes of this “Dilution” section, except as otherwise noted, all subsequent share and per share information assumes the conversion of all outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock as of June 30, 2022 into shares of common stock without regard to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below), except where expressly noted otherwise. Assuming such conversion, our net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2022 was $3.31 per share of common stock.

Each share of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into 66.67 shares of common stock at any time at the option of the holder thereof, subject to certain limitations, including that a holder of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock is prohibited from converting shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock into shares of common stock if, as a result of such conversion, such holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than a specified percentage (to be established by the holder between 4.9% and 19.9%) of the total number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”).

We present dilution on a pro forma basis to give effect to the assumed conversion of all outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock as of June 30, 2022 as described above. We present pro forma as-adjusted net tangible book value by giving further effect to the assumed sale of shares of common stock in the aggregate amount of $175,000,000 at an assumed public offering price of $22.49 per share, which was the last reported sale price per share of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 7, 2022, and after deducting the commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as-adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2022 would have been $311.4 million, or $6.14 per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value to existing stockholders of $2.84 per share of common stock and immediate dilution in net tangible book value to purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering of $16.35 per share of common stock. The following table illustrates this dilution per share of common stock:

 

Assumed public offering price per share of common stock

      $ 22.49  

Net tangible book value per share of common stock as of June 30, 2022 (excluding the assumed conversion of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock)

   $ 4.99     

Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2022

   $ 3.31     
  

 

 

    

Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share of common stock attributable to purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering

   $ 2.84     
  

 

 

    

Pro forma as-adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after this offering

      $ 6.14  
     

 

 

 

Dilution per share of common stock to purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering

      $ 16.35  
     

 

 

 

 

S-11


Table of Contents

The table above assumes, for illustrative purposes, that an aggregate of 7,781,236 shares of our common stock are sold at a price of $22.49 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 7, 2022.

Changes in the assumed public offering price of $22.49 per share would not affect the pro forma as-adjusted net tangible book value after this offering set forth above because this offering is currently limited to a maximum aggregate offering price of $175,000,000. However, each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $22.49 per share would increase (decrease) the dilution per share to new investors by approximately $0.96 per share ($0.96) per share, assuming that the aggregate dollar amount of shares offered by us, as set forth above, remains at $175,000,000 and after deducting the commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual public offering price, the actual number of shares that we offer in this offering, and other terms of this offering determined at the time of each offer and sale.

Except as noted above, the foregoing excludes:

 

   

11,352,640 shares of our common stock issued subsequent to June 30, 2022 in an underwritten public offering that we conducted in August 2022;

 

   

12,903,245 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series A Preferred Stock as of June 30, 2022;

 

   

1,541,810 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock as of June 30, 2022;

 

   

1,872,360 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock issued in an underwritten public offering that we conducted in August 2022;

 

   

5,409,700 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2008 Plan, the 2016 Plan, the 2020 Plan and stock options granted outside of the 2016 Plan as an inducement material to certain employees entering into employment with the Company, as of June 30, 2022 having a weighted-average exercise price of $16.70 per share;

 

   

420,629 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants as of June 30, 2022 having a weighted-average exercise price of $15.91 per share;

 

   

3,882,163 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2016 Plan as of June 30, 2022; and

 

   

316,437 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of June 30, 2022.

 

S-12


Table of Contents

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We have entered into a Sale Agreement with Jefferies, under which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $175,000,000 from time to time through Jefferies acting as our sales agent. Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be made by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act.

The below description of the material provisions of the sales agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the sales agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part.

Each time we wish to issue and sell shares of common stock under the Sale Agreement, we will notify Jefferies of the number of shares to be issued, the dates on which such sales are anticipated to be made, any limitation on the number of shares to be sold in any one day and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Once we have so instructed Jefferies, unless Jefferies declines to accept the terms of such notice, Jefferies has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell such shares up to the amount specified on such terms. The obligations of Jefferies under the Sale Agreement to sell our shares of common stock are subject to a number of conditions that we must meet.

The settlement of sales of shares between us and Jefferies is generally anticipated to occur on the second trading day following the date on which the sale was made. Sales of our shares of common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and Jefferies may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

Jefferies will receive from us a commission of 3.0% of the gross proceeds of any shares of common stock sold under the Sale Agreement. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. In addition, we have agreed to reimburse Jefferies for the fees and disbursements of its counsel, payable upon execution of the Sale Agreement, in an amount not to exceed $75,000 and certain disbursements of its counsel in connection with each diligence bring-down thereafter. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding any commissions or expense reimbursement payable to Jefferies under the terms of the Sale Agreement, will be approximately $145,000. The remaining sale proceeds, after deducting any other transaction fees, will equal our net proceeds from the sale of such shares of common stock.

Jefferies will provide written confirmation to us before the open on The Nasdaq Capital Market on the day following each day on which our shares of common stock are sold under the Sale Agreement. Each confirmation will include the number of shares sold on that day, the aggregate gross proceeds of such sales and the proceeds to us.

In connection with the sale of our common stock on our behalf, Jefferies will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of Jefferies will be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to Jefferies with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

The offering of our shares of common stock pursuant to the Sale Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all shares of common stock subject to the Sale Agreement and (ii) the termination of the Sale Agreement as permitted therein. We and Jefferies may each terminate the Sale Agreement at any time upon prior notice.

 

S-13


Table of Contents

Jefferies and its affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking, financial advisory and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees. In the course of its business, Jefferies may actively trade our securities for its own account or for the accounts of customers, and accordingly, Jefferies may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.

A prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by Jefferies, and Jefferies may distribute the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus electronically.

 

S-14


Table of Contents

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the years then ended have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

S-15


Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the common stock being offered in this prospectus supplement will be passed on by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, San Francisco, California. Jefferies is being represented by Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, New York, New York.

 

S-16


Table of Contents

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith, files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about registrants, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov. Statements contained in this prospectus supplement as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contract or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement, and information that we file after the date hereof with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below:

 

   

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on March 11, 2022 (and any portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 27, 2022 that are incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021);

 

   

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2022, and June 30, 2022 filed with the SEC on August 15, 2022;

 

   

Current Reports on Form 8-K (other than information furnished rather than filed) filed with the SEC on April 5, 2022June 10, 2022June 23, 2022August  16, 2022 and August 19, 2022; and

 

   

The description of our common stock contained in  Exhibit 4.5 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on March 11, 2022, including any amendments or reports filed for the purposes of updating this description.

All documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and to be a part of this prospectus supplement from the date of filing of those documents, with the exception of any portion of any report or document that is not deemed “filed” under such provisions on or after the date of this prospectus supplement, until the earlier of the date on which: (1) all of the securities registered hereunder have been sold; or (2) the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part has been withdrawn.

Under no circumstances will any information filed under current items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K be deemed incorporated herein by reference unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary.

Upon written or oral request, we will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of the prospectus supplement is delivered a copy of the documents incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference herein). You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing, calling or emailing us at the contact information set forth below. We have authorized no one to provide you with any information that differs from that contained in this prospectus supplement. Accordingly, we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date of the front cover of this prospectus supplement.

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.

221 Crescent Street, Suite 401

Waltham, MA 02453

(617) 272-4600

 

S-17


Table of Contents

 

 

$175,000,000

 

LOGO

Common Stock

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

Jefferies

 

 

September 9, 2022

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14.

Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth an estimate of the fees and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by the registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered.

 

     Amount  

SEC registration fee

   $          

Printing and engraving expenses

              ** 

Legal fees and expenses

              ** 

Accounting fees and expenses

              ** 

Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses

              ** 

Miscellaneous fees and expenses

              ** 
  

 

 

 

Total

   $           ** 

 

*

The registrant is deferring payment of the registration fee for the securities offered under this registration statement in reliance on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, other than the $16,222.50 of fees due in connection with the $175,000,000 of our common stock that may be issued and sold from time to time under the Sale Agreement with Jefferies LLC.

**

Estimated expenses are not presently known. The foregoing sets forth the general categories of expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) that we anticipate we will incur in connection with the offering of securities under this registration statement. An estimate of the aggregate expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being offered will be included in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Item 15.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The company is a Delaware corporation. Section 145(a) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine, upon application, that, despite the

 

II-1


Table of Contents

adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.

Further subsections of DGCL Section 145 provide that:

(1) to the extent a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (i) and (ii) of Section 145 or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith;

(2) the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided for pursuant to Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise; and

(3) the corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance of behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under Section 145.

As used in this Item 14, the term “proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether or not by or in the right of the company, and whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise.

Section 145 of the DGCL makes provision for the indemnification of officers and directors in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify officers and directors of the company under certain circumstances from liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act. Provisions in the company’s certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws limit or eliminate the personal liability of the directors to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as it now exists or may in the future be amended. Consequently, a director will not be personally liable to the company or the company’s stockholders for monetary damages or breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for:

 

   

any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the company or the company’s stockholders;

 

   

any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

   

any unlawful payments related to dividends or unlawful stock purchases, redemptions or other distributions; or

 

   

any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

These limitations of liability do not alter director liability under the federal securities laws and do not affect the availability of equitable remedies, such as an injunction or rescission.

In addition, the company’s bylaws provide that:

 

   

the company will indemnify our directors, officers and, in the discretion of our board of directors, certain employees to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as it now exists or may in the future be amended; and

 

   

the company will advance reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, to directors and, in the discretion of the board of directors, to officers and certain employees, in connection with legal proceedings relating to their service for or on behalf of the company, subject to limited exceptions.

 

II-2


Table of Contents

The company has have entered into indemnification agreements with each of the directors and executive officers. These agreements provide that the company will indemnify each of the company’s directors, executive officers and, at times, their affiliates to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The company will advance expenses, including attorneys’ fees (but excluding judgments, fines and settlement amounts), to each indemnified director, executive officer or affiliate in connection with any proceeding in which indemnification is available and the company will indemnify the directors and officers for any action or proceeding arising out of that person’s services as a director or officer brought on behalf of the company or in furtherance of our rights. Additionally, certain of the directors or officers may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance provided by their affiliates or other third parties, which indemnification relates to and might apply to the same proceedings arising out of such director’s or officer’s services as a director referenced herein. Nonetheless, the company has agreed in the indemnification agreements that the company’s obligations to those same directors or officers are primary and any obligation of such affiliates or other third parties to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the expenses or liabilities incurred by those directors are secondary.

The company also maintains general liability insurance which covers certain liabilities of the directors and officers arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

II-3


Table of Contents
Item 16.

Exhibits

A list of exhibits filed with this registration statement on Form S-3 is set forth on the Exhibit Index and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Exhibit No.    Description
    1.1*    Form of Underwriting Agreement
    1.2    Open Market Sale Agreement, dated September 9, 2022, by and between Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. and Jefferies LLC.
    3.1    Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, effective as of March  9, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K, filed March 11, 2022).
    3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, effective as of January  20, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K, filed January 20, 2021).
    3.3    Certificate of Designation of Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K, filed October 28, 2020).
    3.4    Certificate of Designation of Series B Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K, filed September 23, 2021).
    4.1    Form of common stock certificate of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-1, filed March 19, 2014).
    4.2    Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K, filed February 7, 2020).
    4.3    Form of Debt Indenture.
    4.4*    Form of Debt Securities.
    4.5*    Form of Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate.
    4.6*    Form of Unit Agreement and Unit Certificate.
    5.1    Opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, relating to base prospectus.
    5.2    Opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, relating to sale agreement prospectus supplement.
  23.1    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  23.2    Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (see Exhibit 5.1).
  23.3    Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (see Exhibit 5.2).
  24.1    Power of Attorney (included on Signature page).
  25.1**    Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Indenture.
107    Filing Fee Table.

 

*

To be filed, if necessary, by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement, including a Current Report on Form 8-K.

**

To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the applicable rules thereunder.

 

II-4


Table of Contents
Item 17.

Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. 

Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the

 

II-5


Table of Contents

registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(6) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(7) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, (i) the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(l) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be a part of the registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and (ii) each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(8) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(9) To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

II-6


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Waltham, State of Massachusetts, on September 9, 2022.

 

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.

By:   /s/ Jonathan Violin
 

Jonathan Violin

  President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Jonathan Violin, Kristian Humer and Lara M. Meisner, and each of them, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for them and in their name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement (or any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and generally to do all such things in their names and behalf in their capacities as officers and directors to enable the Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signatures

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Jonathan Violin

Jonathan Violin

  

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

(principal executive officer)

  September 9, 2022

/s/ Kristian Humer

Kristian Humer

  

Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Business Officer

(principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

  September 9, 2022

/s/ Tomas Kiselak

Tomas Kiselak

  

Chairman of the Board

  September 9, 2022

/s/ Peter Harwin

Peter Harwin

  

Director

  September 9, 2022

/s/ Arlene M. Morris

Arlene M. Morris

  

Director

  September 9, 2022

/s/ Jennifer Moses

Jennifer Moses

  

Director

  September 9, 2022

 

II-7