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<P id=PARA1 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>UNITED STATES</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA3 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA5 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>FORM 8-K</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA6 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA7 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>CURRENT REPORT</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA8 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA9 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA10 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): </B><B>February 7, 2017</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA12 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA22 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>001-35068</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA24 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>41-2193603</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA25 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(State of incorporation)</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA27 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(Commission File No.)</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA29 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(IRS Employer Identification No.)</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA32 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>351 Galveston Drive </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA34 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Redwood City, CA 94063 </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA35 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA37 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code:</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B> </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(650) 216-3500 </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA38 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA39 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA41 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"> Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA43 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"> Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA45 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"> Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA47 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"> Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA53 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>ITEM 5.02&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B><B>&nbsp;</B><FONT style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase"><B>DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.</B></FONT></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA56 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><I><B>2017</B></I><I><B>&nbsp;</B></I><I><B>Cash Bonus Plan</B></I></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA57 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA58 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 24.5pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">On February&nbsp;7, 2017, the Board of Directors (the &#8220;Board&#8221;) of AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) approved a cash bonus plan for the Company&#8217;s employees for the 2017 fiscal year, under which the Company&#8217;s named executive officers are participants. The cash bonus plan is summarized in Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA60 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><I><B>Severance Benefit Plan</B></I></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA61 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA62 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On February 7, 2017, the Board approved an Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Plan (the &#8220;Amended Plan&#8221;) for certain of its executives, under which certain of the Company&#8217;s named executive officers are participants (each an &#8220;Executive&#8221;). The Amended Plan replaces the existing Severance Benefit Plan approved by the Board and effective as of February 10, 2016 (the &#8220;Plan&#8221;), previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2016.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA63 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA64 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Amended Plan provides that if an Involuntary Termination without Cause (as such term is defined in the Plan) of an Executive who is a Tier I Participant (as defined in the Plan) occurs within 3 months prior to or within 18&nbsp;months after a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Plan) of the Company (a &#8220;Change in Control Termination&#8221;), the Executive will receive, subject to signing a release of claims in favor of the Company, (i) a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (1) 12 months of the Executive&#8217;s Base Salary and (2) 100% of the Executive&#8217;s target bonus opportunity for the calendar year in which the termination occurs; and (ii)&nbsp;up to 12 months of reimbursement for premiums paid for COBRA coverage for the Executive and his or her eligible dependents. All other terms and conditions of the Plan remained unchanged.&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA65 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA66 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">This brief description of the changes to the Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Amended Plan, which is attached as Exhibit&nbsp;10.2 to this current report on Form&nbsp;8-K.</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA68 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>ITEM&nbsp;9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA70 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(d)</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA71 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Exhibits.</B>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA76 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Description</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA80 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">10.1</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA82 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">2017 Cash Bonus Plan Summary.</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA83 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">10.2</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA84 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA85 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Plan effective as of February 7, 2017.</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA103 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Date: February 9, 2017</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA104 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA108 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA109 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">/s/ Jane Wright-Mitchell</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA113 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Jane Wright-Mitchell&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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acrx20170208_8k.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
February 7, 2017
ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
001-35068
41-2193603
(State of incorporation)
(Commission File No.)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
351 Galveston Drive
Redwood City, CA 94063
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(650) 216-3500
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
ITEM 5.02
DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.
2017
Cash Bonus Plan
On February 7, 2017, the Board of Directors (the "Board") of AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company") approved a cash bonus plan for the Company's employees for the 2017 fiscal year, under which the Company's named executive officers are participants. The cash bonus plan is summarized in Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Severance Benefit Plan
On February 7, 2017, the Board approved an Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Plan (the "Amended Plan") for certain of its executives, under which certain of the Company's named executive officers are participants (each an "Executive"). The Amended Plan replaces the existing Severance Benefit Plan approved by the Board and effective as of February 10, 2016 (the "Plan"), previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2016.
The Amended Plan provides that if an Involuntary Termination without Cause (as such term is defined in the Plan) of an Executive who is a Tier I Participant (as defined in the Plan) occurs within 3 months prior to or within 18 months after a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Plan) of the Company (a "Change in Control Termination"), the Executive will receive, subject to signing a release of claims in favor of the Company, (i) a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (1) 12 months of the Executive's Base Salary and (2) 100% of the Executive's target bonus opportunity for the calendar year in which the termination occurs; and (ii) up to 12 months of reimbursement for premiums paid for COBRA coverage for the Executive and his or her eligible dependents. All other terms and conditions of the Plan remained unchanged.
This brief description of the changes to the Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Amended Plan, which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this current report on Form 8-K.
ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(d)
Exhibits.
Exhibit Number
Description
10.1
2017 Cash Bonus Plan Summary.
10.2
Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Plan effective as of February 7, 2017.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 9, 2017
ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:
/s/ Jane Wright-Mitchell
Jane Wright-Mitchell
Chief Legal Officer