Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Contingencies

v3.3.1.900
Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Contingencies

22.

Contingencies

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business.

On August 12, 2015, a shareholder of the Company filed an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against two funds managed by Platinum alleging violations of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act in connection with purchases and sales of the Company’s common stock by the Platinum funds, and seeking disgorgement of the short-swing profits realized by the funds.  Platinum has reported that they own more than five percent of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  The Company is a nominal defendant in the action, no relief is sought against the Company, and a portion of any amount awarded to the plaintiff by judgment or settlement of the action will likely accrue to the benefit of the Company.

On August 31, 2015, Sinotau Pharmaceutical Group (Sinotau) filed a suit for damages, specific performance and injunctive relief against the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts alleging breach of a letter of intent for licensing to Sinotau of the Company’s NAV4694 product candidate and technology.  The Company believes the suit is without merit and has filed a motion to dismiss the action.  While it is not possible to determine with any degree of certainty the ultimate outcome of this legal proceeding, including making a determination of liability, we believe that we have meritorious defenses with respect to the claims asserted against us and intend to vigorously defend our position.

In accordance with ASC Topic 450 - Contingencies, we make a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  Although the outcome of any litigation is uncertain, in our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not materially affect our financial position.