SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA — Otonomy, Inc. (Nasdaq: OTIC) has announced that the company’s board of directors, after considering strategic options, has approved and adopted a Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution that would include the distribution of remaining cash to stockholders following an orderly wind down of the company’s operations, including the proceeds from the sale of any pipeline assets.
To reduce cost, Otonomy has implemented a reduction in workforce. These updates, according to the company’s announcement, are discussed below.
Evaluation of Strategic Options
As previously reported, Otonomy initiated an evaluation of strategic options to realize value from its pipeline. The company is currently in discussions for the potential sale of its pipeline assets. Proceeds from any such sale would be distributed to stockholders in accordance with the Plan of Dissolution, subject to stockholder approval.
The amount that would actually be available for distribution to stockholders, if any, is dependent on a number of factors.
Workforce Reduction Including Officers
In order to reduce costs and in connection with the planned dissolution, Otonomy has reduced its workforce, including the termination of all employees, effective as of December 15, 2022. This includes the termination of employment of all officers.
David A. Weber, Ph.D. continues to serve on the Otonomy board of directors. Paul E. Cayer continues to serve on a consulting basis as chief financial and business officer, and was appointed president. Otonomy estimates that it will incur aggregate charges of approximately $5.0 million for severance and other employee termination-related costs in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Board Approval of Plan of Dissolution
On December 13, 2022, Otonomy’s board of directors approved the liquidation and dissolution of the company pursuant to the Plan of Dissolution, subject to stockholder approval. The company intends to call a special meeting of its stockholders in the first quarter of 2023 to seek approval of the Plan of Dissolution and will file proxy materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable.
The Plan of Dissolution contemplates an orderly wind down of Otonomy’s business and operations. If Otonomy’s stockholders approve the Plan of Dissolution, Otonomy intends to file a certificate of dissolution, delist its shares of common stock, satisfy or resolve its remaining liabilities and obligations, including but not limited to contingent liabilities and claims and costs associated with the dissolution, make reasonable provisions for unknown claims and liabilities, attempt to convert all of its remaining assets into cash, and make distributions to its stockholders of any remaining cash available for distribution based upon their proportionate ownership at the time of the filing of the certificate of dissolution, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Upon the filing of the certificate of dissolution, Otonomy intends to cease trading in its common stock, close its stock transfer books and discontinue recording transfers of shares of its capital stock, in accordance with applicable law.
Source: Otonomy
