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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM 8-A

FOR REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF SECURITIES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State of incorporation
or organization)
  33-0112644
((I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

3030 Callan Road, San Diego, California 92121
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

If this Form relates to the registration of a class of securities pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is effective pursuant to General Instruction A.(c), check the following box. / /

If this Form relates to the registration of a class of securities pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and is effective pursuant to General Instruction A.(d), check the following box. /x/

Securities Act of 1933 registration statement file number to which this form relates: N/A

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class
to be so registered

  Name of each exchange on which
each class is to be registered

None   None

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

Series X Junior Participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
(Title of class)




Item 1. Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered.

    On July 22, 1997, the Board of Directors of IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation (the "Company") declared a dividend distribution of one "Right" for each outstanding share of common stock (the "Common Stock") of the Company to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 11, 1997 (the "Record Date"). Since the Record Date, the Company has issued one Right with each newly issued share of Common Stock. On July 26, 2001, the Board of Directors amended the terms of the Rights. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in that certain Amended and Restated Rights Agreement (the "Rights Agreement") between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC (f/k/a ChaseMellon Shareholder Servies LLC, the "Rights Agent"), originally dated as of July 22, 1997, but amended and restated as of July 26, 2001. This Summary of Rights provides a summary of the Rights as amended to date (i.e., as reflected in the Rights Agreement).

    Each Right, when exercisable, will entitle the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of preferred stock, designated as Series X Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock"), at a price of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per one one-thousandth of a share (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment. The Rights are initially attached to all Common Stock certificates representing shares outstanding, and no separate Rights certificates have been distributed. The Rights will separate from the Common Stock and a "Distribution Date" will occur upon the earliest of the following: (i) a public announcement that a person, entity or group of affiliated or associated persons and/or entities (an "Acquiring Person") has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than (A) as a result of repurchases of stock by the Company or certain inadvertent actions by institutional or certain other stockholders, (B) the Company, any subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary and (C) certain other instances set forth in the Rights Agreement); or (ii) ten (10) business days (unless such date is extended by the Board of Directors) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer which would result in any person, entity or group of affiliated or associated persons and/or entities becoming an Acquiring Person (unless such tender offer or exchange offer is a Permitted Offer (defined below)).

    Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights, if applicable), (i) the Rights will be evidenced by certificates for Common Stock and will be transferred only with such Common Stock certificates, (ii) Common Stock certificates issued upon transfers or new issuances of the Common Stock will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any certificates for outstanding Common Stock will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with such Common Stock. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing the Rights ("Rights Certificates") will be mailed to holders of record of the Common Stock as of the close of business on the Distribution Date, and the separate Rights Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.

    The Rights are not exercisable unless and until a Distribution Date occurs. The Rights will expire on the earliest of (i) July 26, 2011, (ii) consummation of a merger transaction with a person, entity or group who (x) acquired Common Stock pursuant to a Permitted Offer and (y) is offering in the merger the same price per share and form of consideration paid in the Permitted Offer or (iii) redemption or exchange of the Rights by the Company as described below.

    The number of Rights associated with each share of Common Stock shall be proportionately adjusted in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Common Stock. The Purchase Price payable, and the number of one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the Preferred Stock, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Preferred Stock of certain rights, options or warrants to subscribe for Preferred Stock, certain convertible securities or securities

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having the same or more favorable rights, privileges and preferences as the Preferred Stock at less than the current market price of the Preferred Stock or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the Preferred Stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets (excluding regular quarterly cash dividends out of earnings or retained earnings) or of subscription rights, options or warrants (other than those referred to above). With certain exceptions, no adjustments in the Purchase Price will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least one percent (1%) in such Purchase Price.

    In the event that, after the first date of public announcement by the Company or an Acquiring Person that an Acquiring Person has become such, the Company is involved in a merger or other business combination transaction (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) or fifty percent (50%) or more of the Company's assets or earning power are sold (in one transaction or a series of transactions), proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right (other than an Acquiring Person) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the then current Purchase Price, that number of shares of common stock of either the Company, in the event that it is the surviving corporation of a merger or consolidation, or the acquiring company (or, in the event there is more than one acquiring company, the acquiring company receiving the greatest portion of the assets or earning power transferred) which at the time of such transaction would have a market value of two (2) times the Purchase Price (such right being called the "Merger Right"). In the event that a person, entity or group becomes an Acquiring Person (unless pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer for all outstanding shares of Common Stock at a price and on terms determined prior to the date of the first acceptance of payment for any of such shares by at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors who are not officers of the Company and are not Acquiring Persons (or affiliated or associated persons and/or entities thereof) to be fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders (a "Permitted Offer")), then proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right will, for a sixty (60) day period (subject to extension under certain circumstances) thereafter, have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of Common Stock (or, at the election of the Company, which election may be obligatory if sufficient authorized shares of Common Stock are not available, a combination of Common Stock, property, other securities (e.g., Preferred Stock) and/or cash (including by way of a reduction in the Purchase Price)) having a market value of two (2) times the Purchase Price (such right being called the "Subscription Right"). The holder of a Right will continue to have the Merger Right whether or not such holder exercises the Subscription Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of any of the events giving rise to the exercisability of the Merger Right or the Subscription Right, any Rights that are or were at any time after the Distribution Date owned by an Acquiring Person (or affiliated or associated persons and/or entities thereof) shall immediately become null and void.

    At any time prior to the earlier to occur of (i) a person, entity or group becoming an Acquiring Person or (ii) the expiration of the Rights, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.001 per Right (the "Redemption Price"), which redemption shall be effective upon the action of the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Company may, following a person, entity or group becoming an Acquiring Person, redeem the then outstanding Rights in whole, but not in part, at the Redemption Price (i) if such redemption is incidental to a merger or other business combination transaction or series of transactions involving the Company but not involving an Acquiring Person (or certain related persons and/or entities) or (ii) following an event giving rise to, and the expiration of the exercise period for, the Subscription Right if and for as long as the Acquiring Person triggering the Subscription Right beneficially owns securities representing less than fifteen percent (15%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and at the time of redemption there are no other Acquiring Persons. The redemption of Rights described in the preceding sentence shall be effective only as of such time when the Subscription Right is not exercisable. Upon the effective date of the redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.

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    Subject to applicable law, the Board of Directors, at its option, may at any time after a person, group or entity becomes an Acquiring Person (but not after the acquisition by such Acquiring Person of fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock), exchange all or part of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights (except for Rights which have become void) for shares of Common Stock at a rate of one share of Common Stock per Right (subject to adjustment) or, alternatively, for substitute consideration consisting of cash, securities of the Company or other assets (or any combination thereof).

    The Preferred Stock purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will be nonredeemable and junior to any other series of preferred stock the Company may issue (unless otherwise provided in the terms of such stock). Each share of Preferred Stock will have a preferential quarterly dividend in an amount equal to 1,000 times the dividend declared on each share of Common Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock will receive a preferred liquidation payment equal, per share, to the greater of $1,000.00 or 1,000 times the payment made per share of Common Stock. Each share of Preferred Stock will have 1,000 votes, voting together with the shares of Common Stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which shares of Common Stock are exchanged, each share of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount and type of consideration received per share of Common Stock. The rights of the Preferred Stock as to dividends, liquidation and voting, and in the event of mergers and consolidations, are protected by customary antidilution provisions. Fractional shares of Preferred Stock will be issuable; however, the Company may elect to (i) distribute depositary receipts in lieu of such fractional shares and (ii) make an adjustment in cash, in lieu of fractional shares other than fractions that are multiples of one one-thousandth of a share, based on the market price of the Preferred Stock.

    Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends. While the distribution of the Rights should not be taxable to stockholders or to the Company, holders of Rights may, depending upon the circumstances, recognize taxable income in the event (i) that the Rights become exercisable for (x) Common Stock or Preferred Stock (or other consideration) or (y) common stock of an acquiring company in the instance of the Merger Right as set forth above or (ii) of any redemption or exchange of the Rights as set forth above.

    The Company and the Rights Agent retain broad authority to amend the Rights Agreement; however, following any Distribution Date any amendment may not adversely affect the interests of holders of Rights.

    The foregoing description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of the Rights and their terms set forth in the Rights Agreement, a copy of which is filed herewith and incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 2. Exhibits.


4.1

 

Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of July 26, 2001 between IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Mellon Investor Services LLC, which includes as
Exhibit A the form of Rights Certificate and as Exhibit B the Summary of Rights. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, printed Rights Certificates will not be mailed until after the Distribution Date (as defined in the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement).

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SIGNATURE

    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this amendment to registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

Dated: July 26, 2001

    IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/ 
KENNETH J. WOOLCOTT   
    Name: Kenneth J. Woolcott
    Title: Vice President, General Counsel

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EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT


4.1

 

Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of July 26, 2001 between IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Mellon Investor Services LLC, which includes as
Exhibit A the form of Rights Certificate and as Exhibit B the Summary of Rights. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, printed Rights Certificates will not be mailed until after the Distribution Date (as defined in the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement).

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EXHIBIT INDEX
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
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IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
a Delaware corporation

and

MELLON INVESTOR SERVICES LLC
a New Jersey limited liability company

Rights Agent


Amended and Restated Rights Agreement

Dated as of July 26, 2001




TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page
1.   Certain Definitions   1

2.

 

Effective Date; Rights Agent

 

4

3.

 

Issue of Rights Certificates

 

4

4.

 

Form of Rights Certificates

 

5

5.

 

Countersignature and Registration

 

6

6.

 

Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Rights Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Rights Certificates

 

7

7.

 

Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights

 

7

8.

 

Cancellation and Destruction of Rights Certificates

 

9

9.

 

Reservation and Availability of Preferred Stock

 

9

10.

 

Preferred Stock Record Date

 

10

11.

 

Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number and Kind of Shares or Number of Rights

 

11

12.

 

Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares

 

17

13.

 

Consolidation, Merger or Sale or Transfer of Assets or Earning Power

 

17

14.

 

Additional Covenants

 

19

15.

 

Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares

 

19

16.

 

Rights of Action

 

20

17.

 

Agreement of Rights Holders

 

21

18.

 

Rights Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder

 

21

19.

 

Concerning the Rights Agent

 

21

20.

 

Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent

 

22

21.

 

Duties of Rights Agent

 

23

22.

 

Change of Rights Agent

 

24

23.

 

Issuance of New Rights Certificates

 

25

24.

 

Redemption, Termination and Exchange

 

25

25.

 

Notice of Certain Events

 

28

26.

 

Notices

 

28

27.

 

Supplements and Amendments

 

29

28.

 

Determination and Actions by the Board

 

29

29.

 

Successors

 

30

30.

 

Benefits of This Agreement

 

30

31.

 

Severability

 

30

32.

 

Governing Law

 

30

33.

 

Counterparts

 

30


34.

 

Descriptive Headings

 

30

Exhibit A—Form of Rights Certificate

 

A-1

Exhibit B—Form of Summary of Rights

 

B-1


AMENDED AND RESTATED RIGHTS AGREEMENT

    THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is dated as of July 26, 2001 (the "Effective Date"), between IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and MELLON INVESTOR SERVICES LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, as Rights Agent (f/k/a ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, LLC, the "Rights Agent"), and is entered into with reference to the following facts:

    A.  On July 22, 1997, the Company and the Rights Agent entered into that certain Rights Agreement, as amended from time to time, (the "Original Agreement") pursuant to which the Company distributed a dividend of one Right (as hereinafter defined) for each share of Common Stock, par value $0.0005 per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock") outstanding as of the close of business on August 11, 1997 (the "Record Date"). The Original Agreement also contemplated the issuance of one Right (subject to adjustment as provided herein) for each share of Common Stock issued between the Record Date and the earlier of the Distribution Date and the Expiration Date (as such terms are hereinafter defined), with Rights also to be issued in connection with certain issuances of Common Stock after the Distribution Date (as provided more fully herein). Each Right (collectively, the "Rights") originally represented the right to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of a new series of preferred stock of the Company, designated the Series X Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") and having the rights, powers and preferences set forth in a Certificate of Designation filed by the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (which has since been incorporated into the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation).

    B.  For various reasons (including, without limitation, splits of the Common Stock which have, pursuant the terms of the Original Agreement, adjusted the number of one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise of a Right), the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to make certain changes to the Original Agreement (as amended to date). These changes are reflected in this Agreement and include, without limitation, (i) an adjustment in the number of one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise of a Right (resetting such number to one (1) as of the Effective Date—but subject to adjustment from and after the Effective Date as set forth herein), (ii) an extension of the final expiration date for the Rights and (iii) an increase in the Exercise Price (as hereinafter defined).

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows (including, without limitation, that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated to read as set forth herein):

    1.  Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

1


2


3


    2.  Effective Date; Rights Agent.

    3.  Issue of Rights Certificates.

4


    Promptly following the Effective Date, the Company shall send a copy of a Summary of Rights, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Summary of Rights"), by first-class, postage prepaid mail, to each record holder of the Common Stock at the address of such holder shown on the records of the Company. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption, expiration or termination of the Rights), (1) the Rights shall be evidenced by certificates for the Common Stock and the registered holders of the Common Stock shall also be the registered holders of the associated Rights and (2) the surrender for transfer of any certificate for the Common Stock shall also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificate.

    With respect to such certificates containing the foregoing legend, until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption, expiration or termination of the Rights), the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificates shall be evidenced by such certificates alone, and the surrender for transfer of any of such certificates shall also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificate.

    4.  Form of Rights Certificates.

5


The provisions of Section 7(e) hereof shall be operative whether or not the foregoing legend is contained on any such Rights Certificate.

    5.  Countersignature and Registration.

6


    6.  Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Rights Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Rights Certificates.

    7.  Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights.

7


8


    8.  Cancellation and Destruction of Rights Certificates. All Rights Certificates surrendered for the purpose of exercise, transfer, split up, combination or exchange shall, if surrendered to the Company or any of its agents, be delivered to the Rights Agent for cancellation or in canceled form, or, if surrendered to the Rights Agent, shall be canceled by it, and no Rights Certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Agreement. The Company shall deliver to the Rights Agent for cancellation and retirement, and the Rights Agent shall so cancel and retire, any other Rights Certificate purchased or acquired by the Company otherwise than upon the exercise thereof. The Rights Agent shall deliver all canceled Rights Certificates to the Company, or shall, at the written request of the Company, destroy such canceled Rights Certificates, and in such case shall deliver a certificate of destruction thereof to the Company.

    9.  Reservation and Availability of Preferred Stock.

9


    10. Preferred Stock Record Date. Each Person in whose name any certificate for one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock (or other securities) is issued upon the exercise of Rights shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of the fractional shares of Preferred Stock (or other securities) represented thereby on, and such certificate shall be dated, the date upon which the Rights Certificate evidencing such Rights was duly presented and payment of the Purchase Price (and any applicable taxes or charges) was made; provided, however, that if the date of

10


such presentation and payment is a date upon which the Preferred Stock (or other securities) transfer books of the Company are closed, such Person shall be deemed to have become the record holder of such shares on, and such certificate shall be dated, the next succeeding Business Day on which the Preferred Stock (or other securities) transfer books of the Company are open. Prior to the exercise of the Rights evidenced thereby, the holder of a Rights Certificate, as such, shall not be entitled to any rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to shares for which the Rights shall be exercisable, including, without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends or other distributions or to exercise any preemptive rights, and shall not be entitled to receive any notice of any proceedings of the Company, except as provided herein.

    11. Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number and Kind of Shares or Number of Rights. The Purchase Price, the number of shares covered by each Right and the number of Rights outstanding are subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 11.

11


12


13


14


15


16


    12. Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares. Whenever an adjustment is made as provided in Sections 11 or 13 hereof, the Company shall (a) promptly prepare a certificate setting forth such adjustment and a brief, reasonably detailed statement of the facts and computations accounting for such adjustment, (b) promptly file with the Rights Agent and with each transfer agent for the Preferred Stock and the Common Stock a copy of such certificate and (c) mail a brief summary thereof to each holder of a Rights Certificate in accordance with Section 26 hereof. The Rights Agent shall be fully protected in relying on any such certificate and on any adjustment therein contained and shall have no duty with respect to and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any adjustment unless and until it shall have received such certificate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12, the failure of the Company to make such certification or give such notice shall not affect the validity, or the force or effect, of the requirement for such adjustment.

    13. Consolidation, Merger or Sale or Transfer of Assets or Earning Power.

17


provided, however, that in any such case, (A) if the Common Stock of such Person is not at such time and has not been continuously over the preceding twelve (12) month period registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and such Person is a direct or indirect Subsidiary or Affiliate of another Person the Common Stock of which is and has been so registered, "Principal Party" shall refer to such other Person; (B) in case such Person is a Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, or Affiliate of more than one Person, the Common Stock of two or more of which are and have been so registered, "Principal Party" shall refer to whichever of such Persons is the issuer of the Common Stock having the greatest aggregate market value; and (C) in case such Person is owned, directly or indirectly, by a joint venture formed by two or more Persons that are not owned, directly or indirectly, by the same Person, the rules set forth in clauses (A) and (B) above shall apply to each of the chains of ownership having an interest in such joint venture as if such joint venture were a Subsidiary of each such joint venturer and the Principal Parties in each such chain shall bear the obligations set forth in this Section 13 in the same ratio as their direct or indirect interests in such Person bear to the total of such interests.

18


The provisions of this Section 13 shall similarly apply to successive mergers or consolidations or sales or other transfers. The rights under this Section 13 shall be in addition to the rights to exercise Rights and adjustments under Section 11(a)(ii) hereof and shall survive any exercise thereunder.

    14. Additional Covenants.

    15. Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares.

19


    16. Rights of Action. All rights of action in respect of this Agreement, except those rights of action expressly vested in the Rights Agent under this Agreement, are vested in the respective registered holders of the Rights Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the registered holders of the Common Stock); and any registered holder of any Rights Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common Stock), without the consent of the Rights Agent or of the holder of any other Rights Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common Stock), may, in such holder's own behalf and for such holder's own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against the Company to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, such holder's right to exercise the Rights evidenced by such Rights Certificate in the manner provided in such Rights Certificate and in this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing or any remedies available to the holders of Rights, it is specifically acknowledged that the holders of Rights would not have an adequate remedy at law for any breach of this Agreement and shall be entitled to specific performance of the obligations hereunder and injunctive relief against actual or threatened violations of the obligations hereunder of any Person subject to this Agreement. Holders of Rights shall be entitled to recover the reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by them in any action to enforce the provisions of this Agreement.

20


    17. Agreement of Rights Holders. Every holder of a Right by accepting the same consents and agrees with the Company and the Rights Agent and with every other holder of a Right that:

    18. Rights Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder. No holder, as such, of any Rights Certificate shall be entitled to vote, receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of the shares of Preferred Stock, Common Stock or any other securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable upon exercise of the Rights represented thereby, nor shall anything contained herein or in any Rights Certificate be construed to confer upon the holder of any Rights Certificate, as such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice of meetings or other actions affecting stockholders (except as provided in Section 25 hereof), or to receive dividends or subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights evidenced by such Rights Certificate shall have been exercised in accordance with the provisions thereof.

    19. Concerning the Rights Agent.

21


    20. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent.

22


    21. Duties of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent undertakes the duties and obligations, and only the duties and obligations, expressly imposed by this Agreement (and not implied duties or obligations) upon the following terms and conditions, by all of which the Company and the holders of Rights Certificates, by their acceptance thereof, shall be bound:

23


    22. Change of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement upon thirty (30) days' notice in writing mailed to the Company and to each transfer agent of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock by registered or certified mail, and to the holders of the Rights Certificates by first-class mail. The Company may remove the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent upon thirty (30) days' notice in writing, mailed

24


to the Rights Agent or successor Rights Agent, as the case may be, and to each transfer agent of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock by registered or certified mail, and to the holders of the Rights Certificates by first-class mail. If the Rights Agent shall resign or be removed or shall otherwise become incapable of acting, the Company shall appoint a successor to the Rights Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of thirty (30) days after giving notice of such removal or after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or incapacitated Rights Agent or by the holder of a Rights Certificate (who shall, with such notice, submit such holder's Rights Certificate for inspection by the Company), then the registered holder of any Rights Certificate may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a new Rights Agent. Any successor Rights Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such a court, shall be (a) a Person organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of the State of New York or the State of California (or of any other state of the United States so long as such Person is authorized to do business in the State of New York or the State of California), in good standing, which is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust or stockholder services powers and is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and which has at the time of its appointment as Rights Agent a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.00 or (b) an Affiliate of a Person described in clause (a) of this sentence. After appointment, the successor Rights Agent shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if it had been originally named as Rights Agent without further act or deed; but the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and transfer to the successor Rights Agent any property at the time held by it hereunder, and execute and deliver any further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for the purpose. Not later than the effective date of any such appointment the Company shall mail notice thereof in writing to the predecessor Rights Agent and each transfer agent of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock, and mail a notice thereof in writing to the registered holders of the Rights Certificates. Failure to give any notice provided for in this Section 22, however, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of the resignation or removal of the Rights Agent or the appointment of the successor Rights Agent, as the case may be.

    23. Issuance of New Rights Certificates. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement or of the Rights to the contrary, the Company may, at its option, issue new Rights Certificates evidencing Rights in such form as may be approved by the Board to reflect any adjustment or change in the Purchase Price per share and the number or kind or class of shares or other securities or property purchasable under the Rights Certificates made in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. In addition, in connection with the issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock following the Distribution Date and prior to the redemption or expiration of the Rights, the Company (a) shall, with respect to shares of Common Stock so issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of stock options or otherwise under any employee plan or arrangement, which plan or arrangement is existing as of the Distribution Date, or upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of any other securities issued by the Company on or prior to the Distribution Date, and (b) may, in any other case, if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board, issue Rights Certificates representing the appropriate number of Rights in connection with such issuance or sale; provided, however, that (i) no such Rights Certificates shall be issued if, and to the extent that, the Company shall be advised by counsel that such issuance would create a significant risk of material adverse tax consequences to the Company or the Person to whom such Rights Certificates would be issued, and (ii) no such Rights Certificates shall be issued if, and to the extent that, appropriate adjustment shall otherwise have been made in lieu of the issuance thereof.

    24. Redemption, Termination and Exchang.

25


26


27


    25. Notice of Certain Events.

    26. Notices. Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Rights Agent or by the holder of any Rights Certificate to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or sent by nationwide overnight delivery, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with the Rights Agent) as follows:

Subject to the provisions of Section 22, any notice or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Company or by the holder of any Rights Certificate to or on the Rights Agent shall be

28


sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or sent by nationwide overnight delivery, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with the Company) as follows:

Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Company or the Rights Agent to the holder of any Rights Certificate shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or sent by nationwide overnight delivery, addressed to such holder at the address of such holder as shown on the registry books of the Company.

    27. Supplements and Amendments. The Company and the Rights Agent may from time to time supplement or amend this Agreement without approval of any holders of Rights or Rights Certificates in order (i) to cure any ambiguity, (ii) to correct or supplement any provision contained herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, (iii) prior to the Distribution Date, to change or supplement any provision hereunder in any manner which the Company may deem necessary or desirable or (iv) on or following the Distribution Date, to change or supplement any provision hereunder in any manner which the Company may deem necessary or desirable and which shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of Rights Certificates. Upon the delivery of a certificate from an appropriate officer of the Company which states that the proposed supplement or amendment is in compliance with the terms of this Section 27, the Rights Agent shall execute such supplement or amendment unless the Rights Agent shall have determined in good faith that such supplement or amendment would adversely affect its interests under this Agreement. Prior to the Distribution Date, the interests of the holders of Rights shall be deemed coincident with the interests of the holders of Common Stock.

    28. Determination and Actions by the Board. For all purposes of this Agreement, any calculation of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any particular time, including for purposes of determining the particular percentage of such outstanding shares of Common Stock or any other securities of which any Person is the Beneficial Owner, shall be made in accordance with the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Effective Date. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Board shall have the exclusive power and authority to administer this Agreement and to exercise all rights and powers specifically granted to the Board or to the Company, or as may be necessary or advisable in the administration of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the right and power to (i) interpret the provisions of this Agreement and (ii) make all determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of this Agreement (including a determination to redeem or not redeem the Rights or to amend this Agreement). All such actions, calculations, interpretations and determinations (including, for purposes of clause (y) below, all omissions with respect to the foregoing) which are done or made by the Board in good faith, shall (x) be final, conclusive and binding on the Company, the Rights Agent, the holders of the Rights Certificates and all other parties and (y) not subject the Board to any liability to the holders of the Rights Certificates. The Rights Agent may hereby assume without any need to investigate that the Board has acted in good faith.

29


    29. Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.

    30. Benefits of This Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give to any Person other than the Company, the Rights Agent and the registered holders of the Rights Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the Common Stock) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement; but this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Company, the Rights Agent and the registered holders of the Rights Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the Common Stock).

    31. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.

    32. Governing Law. This Agreement, each Right and each Rights Certificate issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the State of Delaware and for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of such state applicable to contracts to be made and to be performed entirely within such state.

    33. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

    34. Descriptive Headings. Descriptive headings of the several Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

    IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
         

 

 

By:

 

/s/ 
KENNETH J. WOOLCOTT   

 

 

Title:

 

Vice President, General Counsel


 

 

 

 

 
    MELLON INVESTOR SERVICES LLC,
as Rights Agent

 

 

 

 

 
         
    By:   /s/ ROSA BAUTISTA   

 

 

Title:

 

Relationship Manager

30



EXHIBIT A

[Form of Rights Certificate]

Certificate No. R-
 
  Rights    

NOT EXERCISABLE AFTER JULY 26, 2011, OR EARLIER IF NOTICE OF REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE IS GIVEN. THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION, AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY, AT $0.001 PER RIGHT AND TO EXCHANGE ON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT. [THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED BY THIS RIGHTS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED TO A PERSON WHO WAS AN ACQUIRING PERSON OR AN ASSOCIATE OR AN AFFILIATE OF AN ACQUIRING PERSON (AS SUCH TERMS ARE DEFINED IN THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT). THIS RIGHTS CERTIFICATE AND THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BECOME VOID UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES SPECIFIED IN SECTION 7(e) OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.]*

*
The portion of the legend in brackets shall be inserted only if applicable.


Rights Certificate

IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION

    This certifies that                             , or registered assigns, is the registered owner of the number of Rights set forth above, each of which entitles the owner thereof, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of July 26, 2001 (the "Rights Agreement") between IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and MELLON INVESTOR SERVICES LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (f/k/a ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, LLC, the "Rights Agent"), to purchase from the Company at any time after the Distribution Date (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement) and prior to 5:00 p.m. (San Francisco time) on July 26, 2011, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company as set forth in the Rights Agreement, at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, one one-thousandth of a fully paid, nonassessable share of Series X Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") of the Company, at a purchase price of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per one one-thousandth of a share (the "Purchase Price"), upon presentation and surrender of this Rights Certificate with the appropriate Form of Election to Purchase and Certificate duly executed.

    The number of Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate (and the number of one one-thousandths of a share which may be purchased upon exercise thereof) set forth above, and the Purchase Price set forth above, are the number and Purchase Price as of the Effective Date (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement), based on the Preferred Stock as constituted at such date. As provided in the Rights Agreement, the Purchase Price and the number of one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock or other securities which may be purchased upon the exercise of the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate are subject to modification and adjustment upon the happening of certain events.

    Upon the occurrence of a Triggering Event (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement), if the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate are Beneficially Owned (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement) by (i) an Acquiring Person (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement) or an Associate or Affiliate thereof (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement) or, (iii) under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement, a transferee of an Acquiring Person, or an

A–1


Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person, such Rights shall become null and void and no holder hereof shall have any rights with respect to such Rights from and after the occurrence of any such Triggering Event.

    This Rights Certificate is subject to all of the terms, provisions and conditions of the Rights Agreement, which terms, provisions and conditions are hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof and to which Rights Agreement reference is hereby made for a full description of the rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities hereunder of the Rights Agent, the Company and the holders of the Rights Certificates. Copies of the Rights Agreement are on file at the principal office of the Company and are also available upon written request to the Company.

    This Rights Certificate, with or without other Rights Certificates, upon surrender at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, may be exchanged for another Rights Certificate or Rights Certificates of like tenor and date evidencing Rights entitling the holder to purchase a like aggregate number of one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock as the Rights evidenced by the Rights Certificate or Rights Certificates surrendered shall have entitled such holder to purchase. If this Rights Certificate shall be exercised (other than pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii)  of the Rights Agreement) in part, the holder shall be entitled to receive upon surrender hereof another Rights Certificate or Rights Certificates for the number of whole Rights not exercised. If this Rights Certificate shall be exercised in whole or in part pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii) of the Rights Agreement, the holder shall be entitled to receive this Rights Certificate duly marked to indicate that such exercise has occurred as set forth in the Rights Agreement.

    Subject to the provisions of the Rights Agreement, the Rights evidenced by this Certificate may, in certain instances, be (i) redeemed by the Company at its option at a redemption price of $0.001 per Right or (ii) exchanged in whole or in part for shares of the Company's Common Stock or substitute consideration. Subject to the provisions of the Rights Agreement, the Company, at its option, may elect to mail payment of the redemption price to the registered holder of the Rights at the time of redemption, in which event this certificate may become void without any further action by the Company.

    The Company may elect not to issue fractional shares of Preferred Stock or other securities upon the exercise of any Right or Rights evidenced hereby (other than fractions, in the instance of Preferred Stock, which are integral multiples of one one-thousandth of a share of Preferred Stock, which may, at the election of the Company, be evidenced by depositary receipts), in which event a cash payment will be made, in lieu thereof, as provided in the Rights Agreement.

    No holder of this Rights Certificate, as such, shall be entitled to vote or receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock or of any other securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on the exercise hereof, nor shall anything contained in the Rights Agreement or herein be construed to confer upon the holder hereof, as such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice of meetings or other actions affecting stockholders (except as provided in the Rights Agreement), or to receive dividends or subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate shall have been exercised as provided in the Rights Agreement.

    This Rights Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until it shall have been countersigned by the Rights Agent.

    WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers of the Company and its corporate seal.

Dated:       , 20     .
   
     
 

A–2


Attest:       IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

     

Title:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 
   
     
Countersigned:        

MELLON INVESTOR SERVICES LLC,
as Rights Agent

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
       

A–3



[Form of Reverse Side of Rights Certificate]

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

(To be executed by the registered holder if such
holder desires to transfer the Rights Certificate.)

    FOR VALUE RECEIVED,                hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto                                                  



(please print name, address and social security or other identifying number of transferee)


this Rights Certificate, together with all right, title and interest therein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint                Attorney, to transfer the within Rights Certificate on the books of the within-named Company, with full power of substitution.

Dated:       , 20     .
   
     
 



 

 
Signature    

Signature Guaranteed:

 

 

    Signatures must be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution, as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

A–4


CERTIFICATE

    The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

    (1) the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate [  ] are [  ] are not being sold, assigned and transferred by or on behalf of a Person who is or was an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of any such Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement); and

    (2) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the undersigned, the undersigned [  ] did [  ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate from any Person who is, was or subsequently became an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person.

Dated:       , 20     .
   
     
 



 

 
Signature    

NOTICE

    The signature to the foregoing Assignment must correspond to the name as written upon the face of this Rights Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

    In the event the Certificate set forth above is not completed, the Company will deem the beneficial owner of the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate to be an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof (as defined in the Rights Agreement) and will affix a legend to that effect on any Rights Certificate issued in exchange for this Rights Certificate.

A–5



FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE

(To be executed if holder desires to
exercise the Rights Certificate pursuant to
Section 11(a)(ii) of the Rights Agreement.)

    To: IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION

    The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise                Rights represented by this Rights Certificate to purchase the shares of Common Stock (or such other securities of the Company) issuable upon the exercise of the Rights and requests that certificates for such shares be issued in the name of:


(Please insert social security or other identifying number)


(Please print name and address)


    The Rights Certificate (indicating the balance, if any, of such Rights which may still be exercised pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii) of the Rights Agreement) shall be returned to the undersigned unless the undersigned requests that the Rights Certificate be registered in the name of and delivered to:

    Please insert social security or other identifying number (complete only if Rights Certificate is to be registered in a name other than the undersigned)


(Please print name and address)



Dated:

 

 

 

, 20

 

 

.
   
     
 



 

 
Signature    

Signature Guaranteed:

    Signatures must be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution, as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

A–6



CERTIFICATE

    The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

    (1) the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate [  ] are [  ] are not being exercised by or on behalf of a Person who is or was an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of any such Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined pursuant to the Rights Agreement);

    (2) this Rights Certificate [  ] is [  ] is not being sold, assigned and transferred by or on behalf of a Person who is or was an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of any such Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement); and

    (3) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the undersigned, the undersigned [  ] did [  ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate from any Person who is, was or subsequently became an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person.

Dated:       , 20     .
   
     
 



 

 
Signature    


NOTICE

    The signature to the foregoing Election to Purchase must correspond to the name as written upon the face of this Rights Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

    In the event the Certificate set forth above is not completed, the Company will deem the beneficial owner of the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate to be an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof (as defined in the Rights Agreement).

A–7



FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE

(To be executed if holder desires to exercise
the Rights Certificate other than pursuant to
Section 11(a)(ii) of the Rights Agreement.)

    To: IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION

    The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise                Rights represented by this Rights Certificate to purchase the one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock (or such other securities of the Company or any other Person) issuable upon the exercise of the Rights and requests that certificates for such shares be issued in the name of:


(Please insert social security or other identifying number)


(Please print name and address)


    If applicable, the Rights Certificate indicating the balance, if any, of such Rights which may still be exercised pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii) of the Rights Agreement shall be returned to the undersigned unless such Person requests that the Rights Certificate be registered in the name of and delivered to:



Please insert social security or other identifying number
(complete only if Rights Certificate is to be registered in a name other than the undersigned)


(Please print name and address)



Dated:

 

 

 

, 20

 

 

.
   
     
 



 

 
Signature    

Signature Guaranteed:

    Signatures must be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution, as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

A–8


CERTIFICATE

    The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

    (1) the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate [  ] are [  ] are not being exercised by or on behalf of a Person who is or was an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of any such Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined pursuant to the Rights Agreement);

    (2) the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate [  ] are [  ] are not being sold, assigned and transferred by or on behalf of a Person who is or was an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of any such Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement); and

    (3) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the undersigned, the undersigned [  ] did [  ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate from any Person who is, was or subsequently became an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person.


Dated:

 

 

 

, 20

 

 

.
   
     
 



 

 
Signature    

NOTICE

    The signature to the foregoing Election to Purchase must correspond to the name as written upon the fact of this Rights Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

    In the event the Certificate set forth above is not completed, the Company will deem the beneficial owner of the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate to be an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof (as defined in the Rights Agreement).

A–9



EXHIBIT B

SUMMARY OF RIGHTS

(As amended to date)

    On July 22, 1997, the Board of Directors of IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation (the "Company") declared a dividend distribution of one "Right" for each outstanding share of common stock (the "Common Stock") of the Company to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 11, 1997 (the "Record Date"). Since the Record Date, the Company has issued one Right with each newly issued share of Common Stock. On July 26, 2001, the Board of Directors amended the terms of the Rights. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in that certain Amended and Restated Rights Agreement (the "Rights Agreement") between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC (f/k/a ChaseMellon Shareholder Services LLC, the "Rights Agent"), originally dated as of July 22, 1997, but amended and restated as of July 26, 2001. This Summary of Rights provides a summary of the Rights as amended to date (i.e., as reflected in the Rights Agreement).

    Each Right, when exercisable, will entitle the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of preferred stock, designated as Series X Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock"), at a price of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per one one-thousandth of a share (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment. The Rights are initially attached to all Common Stock certificates representing shares outstanding, and no separate Rights certificates have been distributed. The Rights will separate from the Common Stock and a "Distribution Date" will occur upon the earliest of the following: (i) a public announcement that a person, entity or group of affiliated or associated persons and/or entities (an "Acquiring Person") has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than (A) as a result of repurchases of stock by the Company or certain inadvertent actions by institutional or certain other stockholders, (B) the Company, any subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary and (C) certain other instances set forth in the Rights Agreement); or (ii) ten (10) business days (unless such date is extended by the Board of Directors) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer which would result in any person, entity or group of affiliated or associated persons and/or entities becoming an Acquiring Person (unless such tender offer or exchange offer is a Permitted Offer (defined below)).

    Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights, if applicable), (i) the Rights will be evidenced by certificates for Common Stock and will be transferred only with such Common Stock certificates, (ii) Common Stock certificates issued upon transfers or new issuances of the Common Stock will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any certificates for outstanding Common Stock will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with such Common Stock. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing the Rights ("Rights Certificates") will be mailed to holders of record of the Common Stock as of the close of business on the Distribution Date, and the separate Rights Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.

    The Rights are not exercisable unless and until a Distribution Date occurs. The Rights will expire on the earliest of (i) July 26, 2011, (ii) consummation of a merger transaction with a person, entity or group who (x) acquired Common Stock pursuant to a Permitted Offer and (y) is offering in the merger the same price per share and form of consideration paid in the Permitted Offer or (iii) redemption or exchange of the Rights by the Company as described below.

    The number of Rights associated with each share of Common Stock shall be proportionately adjusted in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Common Stock. The Purchase Price payable, and the number of one one-thousandths of a share of Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or

B–1


reclassification of the Preferred Stock, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Preferred Stock of certain rights, options or warrants to subscribe for Preferred Stock, certain convertible securities or securities having the same or more favorable rights, privileges and preferences as the Preferred Stock at less than the current market price of the Preferred Stock or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the Preferred Stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets (excluding regular quarterly cash dividends out of earnings or retained earnings) or of subscription rights, options or warrants (other than those referred to above). With certain exceptions, no adjustments in the Purchase Price will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least one percent (1%) in such Purchase Price.

    In the event that, after the first date of public announcement by the Company or an Acquiring Person that an Acquiring Person has become such, the Company is involved in a merger or other business combination transaction (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) or fifty percent (50%) or more of the Company's assets or earning power are sold (in one transaction or a series of transactions), proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right (other than an Acquiring Person) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the then current Purchase Price, that number of shares of common stock of either the Company, in the event that it is the surviving corporation of a merger or consolidation, or the acquiring company (or, in the event there is more than one acquiring company, the acquiring company receiving the greatest portion of the assets or earning power transferred) which at the time of such transaction would have a market value of two (2) times the Purchase Price (such right being called the "Merger Right"). In the event that a person, entity or group becomes an Acquiring Person (unless pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer for all outstanding shares of Common Stock at a price and on terms determined prior to the date of the first acceptance of payment for any of such shares by at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors who are not officers of the Company and are not Acquiring Persons (or affiliated or associated persons and/or entities thereof) to be fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders (a "Permitted Offer")), then proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right will, for a sixty (60) day period (subject to extension under certain circumstances) thereafter, have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of Common Stock (or, at the election of the Company, which election may be obligatory if sufficient authorized shares of Common Stock are not available, a combination of Common Stock, property, other securities (e.g., Preferred Stock) and/or cash (including by way of a reduction in the Purchase Price)) having a market value of two (2) times the Purchase Price (such right being called the "Subscription Right"). The holder of a Right will continue to have the Merger Right whether or not such holder exercises the Subscription Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of any of the events giving rise to the exercisability of the Merger Right or the Subscription Right, any Rights that are or were at any time after the Distribution Date owned by an Acquiring Person (or affiliated or associated persons and/or entities thereof) shall immediately become null and void.

    At any time prior to the earlier to occur of (i) a person, entity or group becoming an Acquiring Person or (ii) the expiration of the Rights, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.001 per Right (the "Redemption Price"), which redemption shall be effective upon the action of the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Company may, following a person, entity or group becoming an Acquiring Person, redeem the then outstanding Rights in whole, but not in part, at the Redemption Price (i) if such redemption is incidental to a merger or other business combination transaction or series of transactions involving the Company but not involving an Acquiring Person (or certain related persons and/or entities) or (ii) following an event giving rise to, and the expiration of the exercise period for, the Subscription Right if and for as long as the Acquiring Person triggering the Subscription Right beneficially owns securities representing less than fifteen percent (15%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and at the time of redemption there are no other Acquiring Persons. The redemption of Rights described in the preceding sentence shall be effective only as of such time when the Subscription Right is not exercisable. Upon the effective date of the redemption of

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the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.

    Subject to applicable law, the Board of Directors, at its option, may at any time after a person, group or entity becomes an Acquiring Person (but not after the acquisition by such Acquiring Person of fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock), exchange all or part of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights (except for Rights which have become void) for shares of Common Stock at a rate of one share of Common Stock per Right (subject to adjustment) or, alternatively, for substitute consideration consisting of cash, securities of the Company or other assets (or any combination thereof).

    The Preferred Stock purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will be nonredeemable and junior to any other series of preferred stock the Company may issue (unless otherwise provided in the terms of such stock). Each share of Preferred Stock will have a preferential quarterly dividend in an amount equal to 1,000 times the dividend declared on each share of Common Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock will receive a preferred liquidation payment equal, per share, to the greater of $1,000.00 or 1,000 times the payment made per share of Common Stock. Each share of Preferred Stock will have 1,000 votes, voting together with the shares of Common Stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which shares of Common Stock are exchanged, each share of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount and type of consideration received per share of Common Stock. The rights of the Preferred Stock as to dividends, liquidation and voting, and in the event of mergers and consolidations, are protected by customary antidilution provisions. Fractional shares of Preferred Stock will be issuable; however, the Company may elect to (i) distribute depositary receipts in lieu of such fractional shares and (ii) make an adjustment in cash, in lieu of fractional shares other than fractions that are multiples of one one-thousandth of a share, based on the market price of the Preferred Stock.

    Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends. While the distribution of the Rights should not be taxable to stockholders or to the Company, holders of Rights may, depending upon the circumstances, recognize taxable income in the event (i) that the Rights become exercisable for (x) Common Stock or Preferred Stock (or other consideration) or (y) common stock of an acquiring company in the instance of the Merger Right as set forth above or (ii) of any redemption or exchange of the Rights as set forth above.

    The Company and the Rights Agent retain broad authority to amend the Rights Agreement; however, following any Distribution Date any amendment may not adversely affect the interests of holders of Rights.

    A copy of the Rights Agreement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an Exhibit to an Amendment to Registration Statement on Form 8-A. A copy of the Rights Agreement is available free of charge from the Company. THIS SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT, WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
AMENDED AND RESTATED RIGHTS AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT A [Form of Rights Certificate]
Rights Certificate IDEC PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
[Form of Reverse Side of Rights Certificate] FORM OF ASSIGNMENT (To be executed by the registered holder if such holder desires to transfer the Rights Certificate.)
FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE (To be executed if holder desires to exercise the Rights Certificate pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii) of the Rights Agreement.)
CERTIFICATE
NOTICE
FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE
EXHIBIT B SUMMARY OF RIGHTS (As amended to date)