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<P id=PARA130 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>UNITED STATES</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA131 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA132 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=PARA134 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>FORM 8-K</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA136 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=PARA137 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 13 or 15(d) of the</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA138 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Securities Exchange Act of 1934</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA139 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): March 23, 2016</B></FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Biota Pharmaceuticals, Inc.</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA21 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</B></FONT></P>
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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"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA26 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>001-35285</B></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"><B>59-1212264</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA28 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(State or other jurisdiction</B></FONT></P>
<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"><B>of incorporation)</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA30 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(Commission</B>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA31 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>File Number)</B></FONT></P></TD>
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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>(IRS Employer</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA33 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Identification No.)</B></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA36 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>2500 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 100</B></FONT></P>
<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"><B>Alpharetta, GA</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<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>30009</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA39 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(Address of principal executive offices)</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA40 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(Zip Code)</B></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P id=PARA42 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=PARA43 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code: (678) 221-3350</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA44 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=PARA45 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Not Applicable</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA46 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA48 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"></FONT>&nbsp;</P>
<P id=PARA51 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>
<P id=PARA52 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744; Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT></P>
<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">&#9744; Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA54 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744; Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA55 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744; Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA67 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B><BR>Item 4.01</B><B> </B><B>Changes in Registrant&#8217;s Certifying Accountant</B></FONT></P>
<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">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA69 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(a)&nbsp;</B><I><B>Engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</B></I></FONT></P>
<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">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA71 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 21.6pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">On March 23, 2016, the audit committee of Biota Pharmaceutical, Inc.&#8217;s (the &#8220;<U>Company</U>&#8221; or &#8220;<U>Biota</U>&#8221;) board of directors (the &#8220;<U>Audit Committee</U>&#8221;), which has the responsibility to engage and dismiss the Company&#8217;s independent registered public accounting firm under Rule&nbsp;10A-3(b)(2)&nbsp;promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#8220;<U>Exchange Act</U>&#8221;), and the Audit Committee&#8217;s charter, unanimously approved the dismissal of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (&#8220;<U>PwC</U>&#8221;) as Biota&#8217;s principal independent registered public accounting firm.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA72 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=PARA73 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 21.6pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The reports of PwC on Biota&#8217;s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and 2015 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA74 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=PARA75 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 24.75pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">During the Company&#8217;s fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and 2015 and in the subsequent interim period through March 23, 2016, there were no disagreements with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with their audit reports on the consolidated financial statements for such years, nor were there any &#8220;reportable events&#8221; as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v)&nbsp;of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.&nbsp; </FONT></P>
<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">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA77 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 21.6pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Company provided PwC with a copy of this Current Report on Form 8-K prior to its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (&#8220;SEC&#8221;) and requested that PwC furnish it with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements. A copy of PwC&#8217;s letter, dated March 24, 2016, is filed as Exhibit&nbsp;16.1 to this Current Report on Form&nbsp;8-K.</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA79 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><I><B>(b)&nbsp;Engagement of new independent registered public accounting firm</B></I></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA80 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=PARA81 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">Effective March 23, 2016, the Audit Committee unanimously approved to engage Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP (&#8220;<U>Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young</U>&#8221;) to serve as the Company&#8217;s independent registered accounting firm to audit the Company&#8217;s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.</FONT></P>
<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">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA83 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">During the two most recent fiscal years and through March 23, 2016, the date of the engagement of Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young, neither the Company nor any person on its behalf has consulted with Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young with respect to either (i)&nbsp;the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company&#8217;s consolidated financial statements or (ii)&nbsp;any matter that was either the subject of a &#8220;disagreement&#8221; or a &#8220;reportable event&#8221; as such terms are described in Items 304(a)(1)(iv)&nbsp;or 304(a)(1)(v), respectively, of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.</FONT></P>
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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"><B>Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits<BR></B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA86 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><BR>(d) Exhibits</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA87 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">16.1</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA89 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Letter from PwC, dated March 24, 2016.</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA96 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SIGNATURE</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA97 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">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.</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA100 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Biota Pharmaceuticals, Inc. </B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA101 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Date: March 24, 2016</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA102 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">/s/ Joseph M Patti </FONT></P></TD></TR>
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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">Name:</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA105 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Joseph M Patti</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA106 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=PARA107 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Title:</FONT></P></TD>
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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">Chief Executive Officer and President</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA111 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(Duly Authorized Officer)</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA117 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA118 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><I><B>Exhibit</B></I></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA119 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><I><B>Number</B></I></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA121 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><I><B>Description</B></I></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA122 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">16.1</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA124 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Letter from PwC, dated March 24, 2016</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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bota20160324_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): March 23, 2016
Biota Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
001-35285
59-1212264
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
2500 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA
30009
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (678) 221-3350
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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 4.01
Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
(a)
Engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
On March 23, 2016, the audit committee of Biota Pharmaceutical, Inc.'s (the "
Company
" or "
Biota
") board of directors (the "
Audit Committee
"), which has the responsibility to engage and dismiss the Company's independent registered public accounting firm under Rule 10A-3(b)(2) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "
Exchange Act
"), and the Audit Committee's charter, unanimously approved the dismissal of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("
PwC
") as Biota's principal independent registered public accounting firm.
The reports of PwC on Biota's consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and 2015 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle.
During the Company's fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and 2015 and in the subsequent interim period through March 23, 2016, there were no disagreements with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with their audit reports on the consolidated financial statements for such years, nor were there any "reportable events" as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
The Company provided PwC with a copy of this Current Report on Form 8-K prior to its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and requested that PwC furnish it with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements. A copy of PwC's letter, dated March 24, 2016, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
(b) Engagement of new independent registered public accounting firm
Effective March 23, 2016, the Audit Committee unanimously approved to engage Ernst & Young LLP ("
Ernst & Young
") to serve as the Company's independent registered accounting firm to audit the Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.
During the two most recent fiscal years and through March 23, 2016, the date of the engagement of Ernst & Young, neither the Company nor any person on its behalf has consulted with Ernst & Young with respect to either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's consolidated financial statements or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a "disagreement" or a "reportable event" as such terms are described in Items 304(a)(1)(iv) or 304(a)(1)(v), respectively, of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
16.1
Letter from PwC, dated March 24, 2016.
SIGNATURE
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.
Biota Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Date: March 24, 2016
/s/ Joseph M Patti
Name:
Joseph M Patti
Title:
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Duly Authorized Officer)
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
16.1
Letter from PwC, dated March 24, 2016