<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>sv8</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">



<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December&nbsp;15, 2005</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Registration No.&nbsp;333-
</DIV>


<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>




<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549<BR>
<DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 18pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>FORM S-8</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933<BR>
<DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 24pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>SOMAXON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>Delaware</B><BR>
(State or other jurisdiction<BR>
of incorporation or organization)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>20-0161599</B><BR>
(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>12750 High Bluff Drive, Suite&nbsp;310<BR>
San Diego, CA 92130<BR>
(858)&nbsp;509-3670</B><BR>
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)<BR>
<DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN<BR>
2005 EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN<BR>
2005 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN</B><BR>
(Full title of the plans)<BR>
<DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>Kenneth M. Cohen<BR>
President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.<BR>
12750 High Bluff Drive, Suite&nbsp;310<BR>
San Diego, CA 92130</B><BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)<BR>
<B>(858)&nbsp;509-3670</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)<BR>
<DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><I>Copies to:</I><BR>
<B>Scott N. Wolfe, Esq.<BR>
Cheston J. Larson, Esq.<BR>
Latham &#038; Watkins LLP<BR>
12636 High Bluff Drive, Suite&nbsp;400<BR>
San Diego, California 92130<BR>
(858)&nbsp;523-5400</B><BR>
<DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="43%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="21%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="12%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="15" style="border-bottom: 3px double #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Proposed</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Proposed</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Amount</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Aggregate</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Amount of</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>to be</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Offering Price</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Offering</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Registration</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title of Securities to be Registered</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Registered (1)</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Per Share</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Price</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Fee</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
                    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Common Stock, par value $0.0001
per share</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">6,070,940 Shares (2)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$11.00(3)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$66,780,340</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$7,145</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per
share</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">1,088,334 Shares (4)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$2.77(5)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$3,014,685</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$323</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per
share</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">900,000 Shares (6)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$11.00(3)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$9,900,000</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$1,059</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Total</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">8,059,274 Shares</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&#151;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&#151;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$8,527</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="15" style="border-top: 3px double #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(1)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration
statement shall also cover any additional shares of common stock which become issuable under
the above-named plans by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any
other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an
increase in the number of our outstanding shares of common stock.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(2)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Represents 6,070,940 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the 2005
Equity Incentive Award Plan (the &#147;2005 Plan&#148;), which number consists of (a)&nbsp;2,000,000 shares
of common stock initially available for future grants under the 2005 Plan, (b)&nbsp;25,073 shares
of common stock available for future issuance under the 2004 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the
&#147;2004 Plan&#148;) as of the effective date of the 2005 Plan, (c)&nbsp;up to 45,867 shares of common
stock issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2004 Plan prior to the date of our initial
public offering, which shares remain subject to our right of repurchase and will be available
for future issuance under the 2004 Plan to the extent repurchased by us following our initial
public offering, and (d)&nbsp;up to an additional 4,000,000 shares of common stock that may become
issuable under the 2005 Plan pursuant to its terms. To the extent outstanding awards under the
2004 Plan expire or are canceled without having been exercised in full or are repurchased or
forfeited following the effective date of the 2005 Plan, the shares of common stock subject to
such awards will be available for future issuance under the 2005 Plan. See Footnote (4)
below.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(3)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>This estimate is made pursuant to Rule 457(h) solely for purposes of calculating the
registration fee. The Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share is $11.00, the initial public
offering price of our common stock as set forth in our prospectus filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on December&nbsp;15, 2005 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(4)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Represents 1,088,334 shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2004
Plan. Any of such shares of common stock that are subject to awards that expire or are
canceled without having been exercised in full or are repurchased or forfeited following the
effective date of the 2005 Plan will be available for future issuance under the 2005 Plan.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(5)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>This estimate is made pursuant to Rule 457(h) solely for purposes of calculating the
registration fee. For the 1,088,334 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the
exercise of outstanding awards granted under the 2004 Plan, the Proposed Maximum Offering
Price Per Share is $2.77 per share, which is the weighted average exercise price of the awards
granted under the 2004 Plan.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(6)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Represents 900,000 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under the 2005
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the &#147;ESPP,&#148; and together with the 2004 Plan and the 2005 Plan,
the &#147;Plans&#148;), which number consists of (a)&nbsp;300,000 shares of common stock initially available
for issuance under the ESPP and (b)&nbsp;up to an additional 600,000 shares of common stock that
may become issuable under the ESPP pursuant to its terms.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>Proposed sales to take place as soon after the effective date of the registration statement<BR>
as awards granted under the Plans are granted, exercised and/or distributed.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; margin-top: 10pt; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>





<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<!-- TOC -->
<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

<P><CENTER>
<TABLE border="0" width="90%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="76%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">PART I</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#001">Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#002">Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#003">PART II</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#004">Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#005">Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#006">Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#007">Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#008">Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#009">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#010">Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#011">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#012"><U>POWER OF ATTORNEY</U></A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#013">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a15496exv4w2.txt">EXHIBIT 4.2</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a15496exv4w3.txt">EXHIBIT 4.3</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a15496exv5w1.htm">EXHIBIT 5.1</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="a15496exv23w1.htm">EXHIBIT 23.1</A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<!-- /TOC -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>




<!-- link1 "PART I" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>PART I</B>
</DIV>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not required to be filed with this registration statement.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not required to be filed with this registration statement.
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "PART II" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>PART II</B>
</DIV>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;SEC&#148;) allows us to &#147;incorporate by reference&#148; the
information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be
part of this registration statement, and later information filed with the SEC will update and
supersede this information. We hereby incorporate by reference into this registration statement the
following documents previously filed with the SEC:
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The prospectus filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;), on December&nbsp;15, 2005,
relating to the registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (Registration No.
333-128871), which contains our audited financial statements for the latest fiscal year
for which such statements have been filed; and</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on
Form 8-A (Registration No.&nbsp;000-51665), filed by us with the SEC under Section 12(g) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;), on December&nbsp;13,
2005, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
description.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All documents that we subsequently file pursuant to Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to the registration statement which
indicates that all of the shares of common stock offered have been sold or which deregisters all of
such shares then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents;
except as to any portion of any future annual or quarterly report to stockholders or document or
current report furnished under current Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K that is not deemed filed
under such provisions. For the purposes of this registration statement, any statement contained in
a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently
filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except
as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under no circumstances will any information filed under current items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K
be deemed incorporated herein by reference unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.<BR>
12750 High Bluff Drive, Suite&nbsp;310<BR>
San Diego, CA 92130<BR>
(858)&nbsp;509-3670
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this
registration statement or any related prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
different information. You should not assume that the information in this registration statement or
any related prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An opinion passing upon the validity of the shares of common stock registered under this
registration statement has been given to us by Latham &#038; Watkins LLP, San Diego, California.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of the date of this prospectus, attorneys of Latham &#038; Watkins LLP beneficially own an
aggregate of approximately 83,418 shares of our preferred stock, which will convert into an
aggregate of 13,903 shares of our common stock upon the completion of our initial public offering.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As permitted by Section&nbsp;102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, we have adopted
provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws
that limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors for a breach of their fiduciary
duty of care as a director. The duty of care generally requires that when acting on behalf of the
corporation, directors exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information
reasonable available to them. Consequently, a director will not be personally liable to us or our
stockholders for monetary damages or breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability
for:
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>any breach of the director&#146;s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or
payment of dividends; or</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These limitations of liability do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as
injunctive relief or rescission. Our certificate of incorporation also authorizes us to indemnify
our officers, directors and other agents to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As permitted by Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our bylaws provide that:
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>we may indemnify our directors, officers and employees to the fullest extent
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to limited exceptions;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>we may advance expenses to our directors, officers and employees in connection with
a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation
Law, subject to limited exceptions; and</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the rights provided in our bylaws are not exclusive.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have entered, and intend to continue to enter, into separate indemnification agreements
with each of our directors and officers which may be broader than the specific indemnification
provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law. These indemnification agreements
generally require us, among other things, to indemnify our officers and directors against
liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers other than
liabilities arising from willful misconduct. These indemnification agreements also generally
require us to advance any expenses incurred by the directors or officers as a result of any
proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors,
officers, employees or agents in which indemnification by us is sought, nor are we aware of any
threatened litigation or proceeding that may result in a claim for indemnification.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have purchased a policy of directors&#146; and officers&#146; liability insurance that insures our
directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some
circumstances.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="009"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="93%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.1*
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">2004 Equity Incentive Award Plan and forms of option agreements thereunder</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">2005 Equity Incentive Award Plan and forms of option and restricted stock agreements thereunder</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and form of Offering Document thereunder</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of Latham &#038; Watkins LLP</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Latham &#038; Watkins LLP (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration statement)</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<DIV align="left">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 18%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left">*</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-128871) filed by us with the SEC on October&nbsp;7, 2005.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="010"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hereby undertake:
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(1)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="6%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(i)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="6%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(ii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof), which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in
the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in
the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20&nbsp;percent change
in the maximum aggregate offering price set for the in the &#147;Calculation of Registration
Fee&#148; table in the effective registration statement; and</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="6%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(iii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt"><I>provided, however</I>, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the registration statement is
on Form S-3, Form S-8, or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by us pursuant to Section&nbsp;13
or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration
statement.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(2)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(3)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hereby undertake that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each filing of our annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act
(and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement, relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted
to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by us of expenses
incurred or paid by one of our directors, officers or controlling persons in the successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by us is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">


</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>


<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">



</TABLE>
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="011"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on December&nbsp;15,
2005.
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left"><B>SOMAXON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</B> <BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Kenneth M. Cohen
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Kenneth M. Cohen     &nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">President and Chief Executive Officer&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- link1 "<U>POWER OF ATTORNEY</U>" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="012"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><U><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B></U>
</DIV>



<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS</B>, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Kenneth M. Cohen and Meg M. McGilley, and each of them, his
attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead,
in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement on Form
S-8, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto in all documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration
Statement has been signed on December&nbsp;15, 2005 by the following persons in the capacities
indicated.
</DIV>
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="25%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="25%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Signature </B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Title</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Date</B></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Kenneth M. Cohen
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Kenneth M. Cohen</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Meg M. McGilley
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Meg M. McGilley</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ David F. Hale
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
David F. Hale</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Chairman of the Board of Directors
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Louis C. Bock
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Louis C. Bock</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Terrell A. Cobb
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Terrell A. Cobb</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Cam L. Garner
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Cam L. Garner</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Scott L. Glenn
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Scott L. Glenn</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Jesse I. Treu, Ph.D.
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Jesse I. Treu, Ph.D.</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Daniel K. Turner III
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Daniel K. Turner III</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="25%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="25%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Kurt von Emster
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Kurt von Emster</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Kurt C. Wheeler
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Kurt C. Wheeler</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">December 15, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<!-- link1 "EXHIBIT INDEX" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="013"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="93%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.1*
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">2004 Equity Incentive Award Plan and forms of option agreements thereunder</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">2005 Equity Incentive Award Plan and forms of option and restricted stock agreements thereunder</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and form of Offering Document thereunder</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of Latham &#038; Watkins LLP</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Latham &#038; Watkins LLP (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration statement)</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<DIV align="left">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 18%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left">*</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-128871) filed by us with the SEC on October&nbsp;7, 2005.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

</BODY>
</HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "a15496sv8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 58181}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.", "cik": "0001339455", "assigned-sic": "2834", "irs-number": "200161599", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-130367", "film-number": "051267589"}, "business-address": {"street1": "12750 HIGH BLUFF DRIVE, SUITE 310", "city": "SAN DIEGO", "state": "CA", "zip": "92130", "phone": "(858) 509-3670"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "12750 HIGH BLUFF DRIVE, SUITE 310", "city": "SAN DIEGO", "state": "CA", "zip": "92130"}}
sv8
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2005
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
SOMAXON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
20-0161599
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
12750 High Bluff Drive, Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 509-3670
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
2005 EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
2005 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(Full title of the plans)
Kenneth M. Cohen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
12750 High Bluff Drive, Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92130
(Name and address of agent for service)
(858) 509-3670
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Scott N. Wolfe, Esq.
Cheston J. Larson, Esq.
Latham & Watkins LLP
12636 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400
San Diego, California 92130
(858) 523-5400
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed
Proposed
Maximum
Amount
Maximum
Aggregate
Amount of
to be
Offering Price
Offering
Registration
Title of Securities to be Registered
Registered (1)
Per Share
Price
Fee
Common Stock, par value $0.0001
per share
6,070,940 Shares (2)
$11.00(3)
$66,780,340
$7,145
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per
share
1,088,334 Shares (4)
$2.77(5)
$3,014,685
$323
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per
share
900,000 Shares (6)
$11.00(3)
$9,900,000
$1,059
Total
8,059,274 Shares
—
—
$8,527
(1)
Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration
statement shall also cover any additional shares of common stock which become issuable under
the above-named plans by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any
other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an
increase in the number of our outstanding shares of common stock.
(2)
Represents 6,070,940 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the 2005
Equity Incentive Award Plan (the "2005 Plan"), which number consists of (a) 2,000,000 shares
of common stock initially available for future grants under the 2005 Plan, (b) 25,073 shares
of common stock available for future issuance under the 2004 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the
"2004 Plan") as of the effective date of the 2005 Plan, (c) up to 45,867 shares of common
stock issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2004 Plan prior to the date of our initial
public offering, which shares remain subject to our right of repurchase and will be available
for future issuance under the 2004 Plan to the extent repurchased by us following our initial
public offering, and (d) up to an additional 4,000,000 shares of common stock that may become
issuable under the 2005 Plan pursuant to its terms. To the extent outstanding awards under the
2004 Plan expire or are canceled without having been exercised in full or are repurchased or
forfeited following the effective date of the 2005 Plan, the shares of common stock subject to
such awards will be available for future issuance under the 2005 Plan. See Footnote (4)
below.
(3)
This estimate is made pursuant to Rule 457(h) solely for purposes of calculating the
registration fee. The Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share is $11.00, the initial public
offering price of our common stock as set forth in our prospectus filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2005 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended.
(4)
Represents 1,088,334 shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2004
Plan. Any of such shares of common stock that are subject to awards that expire or are
canceled without having been exercised in full or are repurchased or forfeited following the
effective date of the 2005 Plan will be available for future issuance under the 2005 Plan.
(5)
This estimate is made pursuant to Rule 457(h) solely for purposes of calculating the
registration fee. For the 1,088,334 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the
exercise of outstanding awards granted under the 2004 Plan, the Proposed Maximum Offering
Price Per Share is $2.77 per share, which is the weighted average exercise price of the awards
granted under the 2004 Plan.
(6)
Represents 900,000 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under the 2005
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP," and together with the 2004 Plan and the 2005 Plan,
the "Plans"), which number consists of (a) 300,000 shares of common stock initially available
for issuance under the ESPP and (b) up to an additional 600,000 shares of common stock that
may become issuable under the ESPP pursuant to its terms.
Proposed sales to take place as soon after the effective date of the registration statement
as awards granted under the Plans are granted, exercised and/or distributed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Plan Information.
Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.
PART II
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Item 9. Undertakings.
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT 4.2
EXHIBIT 4.3
EXHIBIT 5.1
EXHIBIT 23.1
Table of Contents
PART I
Item 1. Plan Information.
Not required to be filed with this registration statement.
Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.
Not required to be filed with this registration statement.
PART II
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") allows us to "incorporate by reference" the
information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be
part of this registration statement, and later information filed with the SEC will update and
supersede this information. We hereby incorporate by reference into this registration statement the
following documents previously filed with the SEC:
(a)
The prospectus filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), on December 15, 2005,
relating to the registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (Registration No.
333-128871), which contains our audited financial statements for the latest fiscal year
for which such statements have been filed; and
(d)
The description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on
Form 8-A (Registration No. 000-51665), filed by us with the SEC under Section 12(g) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), on December 13,
2005, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
description.
All documents that we subsequently file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to the registration statement which
indicates that all of the shares of common stock offered have been sold or which deregisters all of
such shares then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents;
except as to any portion of any future annual or quarterly report to stockholders or document or
current report furnished under current Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K that is not deemed filed
under such provisions. For the purposes of this registration statement, any statement contained in
a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently
filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except
as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
Under no circumstances will any information filed under current items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K
be deemed incorporated herein by reference unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:
Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
12750 High Bluff Drive, Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 509-3670
Table of Contents
You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this
registration statement or any related prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
different information. You should not assume that the information in this registration statement or
any related prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
An opinion passing upon the validity of the shares of common stock registered under this
registration statement has been given to us by Latham & Watkins LLP, San Diego, California.
As of the date of this prospectus, attorneys of Latham & Watkins LLP beneficially own an
aggregate of approximately 83,418 shares of our preferred stock, which will convert into an
aggregate of 13,903 shares of our common stock upon the completion of our initial public offering.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
As permitted by Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, we have adopted
provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws
that limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors for a breach of their fiduciary
duty of care as a director. The duty of care generally requires that when acting on behalf of the
corporation, directors exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information
reasonable available to them. Consequently, a director will not be personally liable to us or our
stockholders for monetary damages or breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability
for:
•
any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;
•
any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law;
•
any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or
payment of dividends; or
•
any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
These limitations of liability do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as
injunctive relief or rescission. Our certificate of incorporation also authorizes us to indemnify
our officers, directors and other agents to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.
As permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our bylaws provide that:
•
we may indemnify our directors, officers and employees to the fullest extent
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to limited exceptions;
•
we may advance expenses to our directors, officers and employees in connection with
a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation
Law, subject to limited exceptions; and
•
the rights provided in our bylaws are not exclusive.
We have entered, and intend to continue to enter, into separate indemnification agreements
with each of our directors and officers which may be broader than the specific indemnification
provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law. These indemnification agreements
generally require us, among other things, to indemnify our officers and directors against
liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers other than
liabilities arising from willful misconduct. These indemnification agreements also generally
require us to advance any expenses incurred by the directors or officers as a result of any
proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
Table of Contents
At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors,
officers, employees or agents in which indemnification by us is sought, nor are we aware of any
threatened litigation or proceeding that may result in a claim for indemnification.
We have purchased a policy of directors' and officers' liability insurance that insures our
directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some
circumstances.
Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
4.1*
2004 Equity Incentive Award Plan and forms of option agreements thereunder
4.2
2005 Equity Incentive Award Plan and forms of option and restricted stock agreements thereunder
4.3
2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and form of Offering Document thereunder
5.1
Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm
23.2
Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration statement)
*
Incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-128871) filed by us with the SEC on October 7, 2005.
Item 9. Undertakings.
We hereby undertake:
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement;
(i)
to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)
to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof), which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in
the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in
the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change
in the maximum aggregate offering price set for the in the "Calculation of Registration
Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii)
to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement;
provided, however
, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the registration statement is
on Form S-3, Form S-8, or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by us pursuant to Section 13
or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration
statement.
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
Table of Contents
We hereby undertake that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each filing of our annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act
(and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement, relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted
to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by us of expenses
incurred or paid by one of our directors, officers or controlling persons in the successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by us is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on December 15,
2005.
SOMAXON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:
/s/ Kenneth M. Cohen
Kenneth M. Cohen
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS
, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Kenneth M. Cohen and Meg M. McGilley, and each of them, his
attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead,
in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement on Form
S-8, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto in all documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration
Statement has been signed on December 15, 2005 by the following persons in the capacities
indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Kenneth M. Cohen
Kenneth M. Cohen
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
December 15, 2005
/s/ Meg M. McGilley
Meg M. McGilley
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
December 15, 2005
/s/ David F. Hale
David F. Hale
Chairman of the Board of Directors
December 15, 2005
/s/ Louis C. Bock
Louis C. Bock
Director
December 15, 2005
/s/ Terrell A. Cobb
Terrell A. Cobb
Director
December 15, 2005
/s/ Cam L. Garner
Cam L. Garner
Director
December 15, 2005
/s/ Scott L. Glenn
Scott L. Glenn
Director
December 15, 2005
/s/ Jesse I. Treu, Ph.D.
Jesse I. Treu, Ph.D.
Director
December 15, 2005
/s/ Daniel K. Turner III
Daniel K. Turner III
Director
December 15, 2005
Table of Contents
/s/ Kurt von Emster
Kurt von Emster
Director
December 15, 2005
/s/ Kurt C. Wheeler
Kurt C. Wheeler
Director
December 15, 2005
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
4.1*
2004 Equity Incentive Award Plan and forms of option agreements thereunder
4.2
2005 Equity Incentive Award Plan and forms of option and restricted stock agreements thereunder
4.3
2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and form of Offering Document thereunder
5.1
Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm
23.2
Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration statement)
*
Incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-128871) filed by us with the SEC on October 7, 2005.