SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

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þ		Definitive Proxy Statement.
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o		Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12.

Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

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April 14, 2011

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Please join us for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 8:30 a.m., local time, at Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.’s headquarters located at 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby K, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105. You are cordially invited to attend.

 

At this Annual Meeting, the agenda includes the election of six (6) directors and the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the election of each director nominee and FOR the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. We are providing proxy material access to our shareholders via the Internet. Accordingly, you can access proxy materials and vote at www.proxyvote.com. Details regarding the matters to be acted upon at this Annual Meeting are described in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) you received in the mail or via E-mail. Please give the proxy materials your careful attention.

 

You may vote via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on your Notice and on that website. In order to vote via the Internet or by telephone, you must have the shareholder identification number which is provided in your Notice. If you have requested a proxy card by mail, you may vote by signing, voting and returning that proxy card in the envelope provided. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person even if you have previously returned your proxy card or have voted via the Internet or by telephone. Please review the instructions for each voting option described in the Notice and in this Proxy Statement. Your prompt cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

 

A copy of Aastrom’s 2011 Annual Report and Proxy Statement are also available at www.aastrom.com/annuals.cfm. The Board of Directors and management team look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Timothy M. Mayleben

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

AASTROM BIOSCIENCES, INC.
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby K
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held June 7, 2011

 

 

 

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY COMPLETE YOUR PROXY AS INDICATED ABOVE IN ORDER TO ENSURE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR SHARES. PLEASE REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH OF YOUR VOTING OPTIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND THE NOTICE YOU RECEIVED IN THE MAIL.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

Scott C. Durbin

Corporate Secretary

Ann Arbor, Michigan

April 14, 2011

 

AASTROM BIOSCIENCES, INC.
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby K
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

 

 

This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the “Company”), for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 8:30 a.m., local time, at the Company’s headquarters located at 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby K, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). An Annual Report to Shareholders, containing financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, and this Proxy Statement are being made available to all shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and the form of proxy were first made available to shareholders on or about April 14, 2011. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “Aastrom” refer to Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.

 

What am I voting on?

 

There are two proposals scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders:

 

1. Election of directors; and

 

2. Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Aastrom’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2011 fiscal year.

 

Who is entitled to vote?

 

Shareholders as of the close of business on April 11, 2011 (the “Record Date”) may vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. You have one vote for each share of common stock you held on the Record Date, including shares:

 

 

What constitutes a quorum?

 

A majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, present or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Abstentions are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. “Broker non-votes” (described below) are also counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. As of April 11, 2011, 38,618,037 shares of Aastrom common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote.

 

How many votes are required to approve each proposal?

 

The following explains how many votes are required to approve each proposal, provided that a majority of our shares is present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (in person or by proxy).

 

 

How are votes counted and who are the proxies?

 

You may either vote “FOR” or “WITHHOLD” authority to vote for each nominee for the Board of Directors. Shares present or represented and not so marked as to withhold authority to vote for a particular nominee will be voted in favor of a particular nominee and will be counted toward such nominee’s achievement of a plurality. Shares present at the meeting or represented by proxy where the shareholder properly withholds authority to vote for such nominee in accordance with the proxy instructions and “broker non-votes” will not be counted toward such nominee’s achievement of plurality.

 

You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. If you abstain from voting on the proposal to ratify PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, it will have no effect on the voting of the proposal. Brokers, bankers and other nominees have discretionary voting power on this routine matter and, accordingly, “broker non-votes” will have no effect on the ratification.

 

The persons named as attorneys-in-fact in the proxies, Timothy M. Mayleben and Scott C. Durbin, were selected by the Board of Directors and are officers of the Company. All properly executed proxies submitted in time to be counted at the Annual Meeting will be voted by such persons at the Annual Meeting. Where a choice has been specified on the proxy with respect to the foregoing matters, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the specifications. If no such specifications are indicated, such proxies will be voted FOR the election of the director nominees and FOR ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

 

What is a broker non-vote?

 

If you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker, your shares will not be voted on any proposal on which your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote (a “broker non-vote”). Shares held by brokers who do not have discretionary authority to vote on a particular matter and who have not received voting instructions from their customers are counted as present for the purpose of determining whether there is a quorum at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, but are not counted or deemed to be present or represented for the purpose of determining whether shareholders have approved that matter. Pursuant to applicable rules, brokers will have discretionary authority to vote on the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

 

Aastrom’s Board recommends that you vote your shares:

 

• “FOR” each of the nominees to the Board; and

 

 

How do I vote my shares without attending the meeting?

 

If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote by granting a proxy. For shares held in street name, you may vote by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. In any circumstance, you may vote:

 

 

Internet and telephone voting facilities will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on June 6, 2011.

How do I vote my shares in person at the meeting?

 

If you are a shareholder of record (also referred to as “registered shareholder”) and prefer to vote your shares in person at the meeting, bring proof of identification and request a ballot to vote at the meeting. You may vote shares held in street name only if you obtain a signed proxy from the record holder (broker or other nominee) giving you the right to vote the shares.

 

Even if you plan to attend the meeting, we encourage you to vote in advance by Internet, telephone or mail so that your vote will be counted even if you are unable to attend the meeting.

 

What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice?

 

It generally means you hold shares registered in more than one account. To ensure that all your shares are voted, vote according to the instructions for each Notice you receive.

 

May I change my vote?

 

Yes. Whether you have voted by mail, Internet or telephone, you may change your vote and revoke your proxy by:

 

• Sending a written statement to that effect to the Corporate Secretary of Aastrom;

 

• Voting by Internet or telephone at a later time;

 

• Submitting a properly signed proxy card with a later date; or

 

• Voting in person at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

What are the costs associated with the solicitation of proxies?

 

The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by Aastrom. Aastrom has retained Broadridge Financial Solutions (“Broadridge”) to solicit registered shareholders and to request banks and brokers, and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries, to solicit their customers who have stock of Aastrom registered in the names of such persons, at a cost of approximately $70,000, which includes mailing costs and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Aastrom may supplement the original solicitation of proxies by mail, telephone, electronic mail or personal solicitation by our officers, directors, and other regular employees, without additional compensation. Voting results will be tabulated and certified by Broadridge. Aastrom may solicit shareholders by mail through its regular employees, and will request banks and brokers, and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries, to solicit their customers who have stock of Aastrom registered in the names of such persons and will reimburse them for their reasonable, out-of-pocket costs. Aastrom may use the services of its officers, directors, and others to solicit proxies, personally or by telephone, without additional compensation.

 

Our Bylaws provide that the Board will consist of not less than five nor more than nine members, as fixed from time to time by a resolution of the Board and that all directors will be elected annually. The Board currently consists of six directors. The persons named below as nominees for director will, if elected, each serve a term of one year expiring at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are elected and qualified.

 

The table below sets forth Aastrom’s directors and nominees and their respective ages as of April 14, 2011.

 

 

 

 

The biographical description below for each director nominee includes the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led to the conclusion by the Board that such person should serve as a director of Aastrom.

 

Ronald M. Cresswell, a Director since October 2010, retired in 1999 from Warner-Lambert Company, a developer and manufacturer of health care and consumer products, where he had been Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer since October 1998. He was formerly Vice President and Chairman, Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research, a Warner-Lambert Company, since 1989. Prior thereto, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Laporte Industries, an internationally oriented chemical company, since 1987. Dr. Cresswell served 25 years at Burroughs Wellcome, a London-based international pharmaceutical firm, where he held a broad range of research and development positions, culminating in being the main board member for global research and development. He earned B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in applied chemistry at the University of Glasgow. He completed post-doctoral work in the field of nucleoprotein chemistry at Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York and is a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program. Dr. Cresswell is actively involved with the University of Michigan as a member of the Pharmacy Advancement Steering Committee for the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Cresswell has also served on the Board of Directors of Albachem Ltd., Allergan, Inc., CuraGen Corporation, Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. and Vasogen Inc. The Board of Directors believes Dr. Cresswell’s qualifications to sit on the Company’s Board of Directors include his significant contributions at global pharmaceutical companies.

 

Timothy M. Mayleben, a Director since June 2005, has served as Aastrom’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) since December 2009. Mr. Mayleben served as an advisor to life science and healthcare companies through his advisory and investment firm, ElMa Advisors since 2004. Previously, he served as the President and Chief Operating Officer and a Director of NightHawk Radiology Holdings, Inc. from March 2005 to March 2008. Mr. Mayleben was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Esperion Therapeutics, which later became a division of Pfizer Global Research & Development. He joined Esperion in late 1998 as Chief Financial Officer. While at Esperion, Mr. Mayleben led the raising of more than $200 million in venture capital and institutional equity funding and later negotiated the acquisition of Esperion by Pfizer in December 2003. Mr. Mayleben holds a Masters of Business Administration, with distinction, from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is on the Advisory Board for the Wolverine Venture Fund and serves as a director for several private life science companies. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Mayleben’s qualifications to sit on the Company’s Board of Directors include his years of experience in the life sciences industry, including over a decade

of experience as an executive officer, and his deep understanding of the Company’s historical and current business strategies, objectives and product candidates.

 

Alan L. Rubino, a Director since September 2005, has served as Chief Executive Officer and President of New American Therapeutics, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, since October 2010. Previously, Mr. Rubino served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, LLC, an integrated specialty pharmaceutical company, since February 2008. Prior to this he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Pharmos Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company, from November 2005 to December 2007. Mr. Rubino has continued to expand upon a highly successful and distinguished career that included Hoffmann-LaRoche, Inc., a research-focused healthcare company, from 1977 to 2001, where he was a member of the U.S. Executive and Operating Committees and a Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, corporate officer. During his Roche tenure, he held a series of key executive positions in marketing, sales, business operations, supply chain and human resource management. In addition, he was assigned to various executive committee roles in the areas of marketing, project management, and globalization of Roche Holdings. Mr. Rubino also held senior executive positions at PDI, Inc., a sales and marketing support company, and Cardinal Health, a company focused on improving the cost-effectiveness of health care, from 2001 to 2005. He received Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Rutgers University with a minor in biology/chemistry and also completed post-graduate educational programs at the University of Lausanne and Harvard Business School. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Rutgers University School of Business and the Lerner Center for Pharmaceutical Studies. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Rubino’s qualifications to sit on the Company’s Board of Directors include his leadership roles in the life sciences industry in a wide range of positions, including positions focused on sales and marketing and SEC matters.

 

Nelson M. Sims, Lead Director since December 2009, has been a Director since February 2006 and was Chairman of the Board from 2007 through 2009. He most recently served as the President and Chief Executive Officer (from 2003 through 2005) of Novavax, Inc., an international health and life science company. From 1973 through 2001, Mr. Sims served in various executive positions in sales, marketing, business development, and general management of Eli Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical company, including Executive Director of Alliance Management, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Hybritech, Inc. (which was acquired by Eli Lilly) and President of Eli Lilly Canada. Mr. Sims received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and completed the Tuck Executive Program at the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. In addition to serving as a board member of companies where he also led the executive management team, Mr. Sims has other significant board experience serving both public and private companies, including MDS, Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc. and Novavax, Inc. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Sims’s qualifications to sit on the Company’s Board of Directors include his significant contributions at global life sciences companies.

 

Harold C. Urschel, Jr., M.D., a Director since October 2009, has served as the Chair of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgical Research, Education & Clinical Excellence at Baylor University Medical Center since 2002. He has taught extensively since 1985 as Professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Urschel has been a Visiting Professor at a number of medical centers in the U.S. and abroad, and is an honorary member of the Thoracic Surgery faculty of the University of Toronto and the Harvard Medical School. He has been President of five major medical and surgical societies: the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American College of Chest Physicians, International Academy of Chest Physicians, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association and Texas Surgical Society. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University (cum laude) and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School (cum laude). Dr. Urschel trained in cardiac surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, and has served as Chief of Experimental Surgery for the U.S. Navy, Consultant to the Atomic Energy Commission, NASA, and the Surgeon General of the U.S. Air Force. He served on the Board of Directors of Electronic Data Systems from its inception until 1986, when it was acquired by General Motors. As Chairman of the Residency Review Committee for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery he established standards for training heart surgeons in the United States and on the American Board of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, which examines trainees before they enter practice. As a Founding Member of the U.S. Heart Surgeons he has been recognized as one of the 100 best cardiac surgeons in the U.S. Honorary Degrees have been awarded to Dr. Urschel as a Doctor of Law (Pikeville College) and a Doctor of Science (Ohio State University). The Board of Directors

believes Dr. Urschel’s qualifications to sit on the Company’s Board of Directors include his significant contributions to the medical field and academia.

 

Robert L. Zerbe, M.D., a Director since January 2006, is the Chief Executive Officer of QUATRx Pharmaceuticals Company, a venture-backed drug development company which he co-founded in 2000. Prior to his role at QUATRx, Dr. Zerbe held several senior executive management positions with major pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly (from 1982 to 1993) and Pfizer (formerly Parke-Davis) (from 1993 to 2000). During his tenure at Eli Lilly, Dr. Zerbe’s clinical research and development positions included Managing Director, Lilly Research Center U.K., and Vice President of Clinical Investigation and Regulatory Affairs. He joined Parke Davis in 1993, becoming Senior Vice President of Worldwide Clinical Research and Development. In this capacity he led the clinical development programs for a number of key products, including Lipitor^® and Neurontin^®. Dr. Zerbe received his M.D. from the Indiana University School of Medicine, and has completed post-doctoral work in internal medicine, endocrinology and neuroendocrinology at Indiana University and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Zerbe currently serves on the boards of directors of two public companies, A.P. Pharma, Inc. (since 2002), a specialty pharmaceutical company, and Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (since 2009), a biopharmaceutical company. He also serves on the board of directors of, Metabolex, Inc. a privately held company that discovers and develops novel therapeutics to treat diabetes. The Board of Directors believes Dr. Zerbe’s qualifications to sit on the Company’s Board of Directors include his management positions at major pharmaceutical companies, including the experience he gleaned in his clinic development roles.

 

The affirmative vote of a plurality of the total shares of common stock represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote is required for the election of each of the nominees. It is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote such proxy FOR the election of all nominees, unless otherwise directed by the shareholder. The Board is currently evaluating candidates to fill the vacancy that will be created at the 2010 Annual Meeting and proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named in this Proxy Statement. The Board of Directors knows of no reason why any of the nominees would be unable or unwilling to serve, but if any nominee should for any reason be unable or unwilling to serve, the proxies will be voted for the election of such other person for the office of director as the Board of Directors may recommend in the place of such nominee.

 

The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of each nominee named in the above table.

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, the Board of Directors held 10 meetings, and during the six-month period ended December 31, 2010, the Board of Directors held 6 meetings. Each director serving on the Board of Directors in such fiscal year attended at least 75% of such meetings of the Board of Directors and the Committees on which he served.

 

Audit Committee

 

Under the terms of its current Charter, the Audit Committee’s responsibilities include reviewing with Aastrom’s independent accountants and management the annual financial statements and independent accountants’ opinion, reviewing the scope and results of the examination of Aastrom’s financial statements by the independent accountants, reviewing all professional services performed and related fees by the independent accountants, approving the retention of the independent accountants and periodically reviewing Aastrom’s accounting policies and internal accounting and financial controls. The Audit Committee may delegate duties or responsibilities to subcommittees or to one member of the Audit Committee. Messrs. Sims (Chair) and Rubino were members of the Audit Committee during the six-month period ended December 31, 2010. Dr. Zerbe served on the Audit Committee from September 2009 until October 2010, when he was replaced by Dr. Cresswell. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, the Audit Committee held 4 meetings, and during the six-month period ending December 31, 2010, the Audit Committee held 4 meetings. All members of the Company’s Audit Committee are independent (as independence is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) and as required under Rule 5605(c)(2) of the NASDAQ listing

standards). Since September 2009, Mr. Sims has been designated as an audit committee financial expert as defined in the rules of the SEC. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, a current copy of which is available on the Investor Relations page at the Company’s website, www.aastrom.com, and by following the Corporate Governance link. For additional information concerning the Audit Committee, see “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.”

 

Compensation Committee

 

Under the terms of its current Charter, the Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include determining and approving salary and bonus levels and stock option or restricted stock grants with respect to executive officers, and determining and approving stock option or restricted stock grants with respect to all employees. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviews all components of executive officer compensation for consistency with the Compensation Committee’s compensation philosophy and strategy. The Compensation Committee may delegate duties or responsibilities to subcommittees or to one member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Rubino (Chair), Dr. Zerbe and Mr. Urschel were members of the Compensation Committee during the six-month period ended December 31, 2010. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, the Compensation Committee held 6 meetings, and during the six-month period ended December 31, 2010, the Compensation Committee held 2 meetings. All members of the Company’s Compensation Committee are independent (as independence is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ listing standards). The Compensation Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, a current copy of which is available on the Investor Relations page at the Company’s website, www.aastrom.com, and by following the Corporate Governance link.

 

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

 

Under the terms of its current Charter, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the “Governance Committee”) responsibilities include assisting Aastrom’s Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities by reviewing and reporting to the Board of Directors on (i) corporate governance compliance mechanisms, (ii) corporate governance roles amongst management and directors, and (iii) Board of Directors process enhancement. The Governance Committee may delegate duties or responsibilities to subcommittees or to one member of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee also considers qualified candidates for appointment and nomination for election to the Board of Directors and makes recommendations concerning such candidates. Consistent with this function, the Governance Committee encourages continuous improvement of, and fosters adherence to, the Company’s corporate governance policies, procedures and practices at all levels. Dr. Zerbe (Chair) and Messrs. Sims and Urschel were members of the Governance Committee during the six-month period ended December 31, 2010, and Dr. Cresswell was elected to the Governance Committee in October 2010. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, the Governance Committee held 3 meetings, and during the six-month period ended December 31, 2010, the Board of Directors held 2 meetings. All the members of the Governance Committee are independent (as independence is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ listing standards). The Governance Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, a current copy of which is available on the Investor Relations page at the Company’s website, www.aastrom.com, and by following the Corporate Governance link.

 

The Governance Committee evaluates and recommends to the Board of Directors the nominees for each election of directors. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Governance Committee considers the following factors, among others:

 

• the appropriate size of the Company’s Board and its committees;

 

• the needs of the Company with respect to the particular talents and experience of its directors;

 

 

• experience with accounting rules and practices;

 

• experience with regulatory and SEC requirements applicable to public companies;

 

• experience with regulatory requirements applicable to the Company’s industry;

 

• appreciation of the relationship of the Company’s business to the changing needs of society; and

 

 

The Governance Committee’s goal is to assemble a Board that brings to the Company a variety of perspectives and skills derived from high quality business and professional experience. In doing so, the Governance Committee also considers candidates with appropriate non-business backgrounds.

 

Neither the Governance Committee nor the Board of Directors has a specific policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees. However, both may consider the diversity of background and experience of a director nominee in the context of the overall composition of the Board of Directors at that time, such as diversity of knowledge, skills, experience, geographic location, age, gender, and ethnicity. In general, the Governance Committee seeks director nominees with the talents and backgrounds that provide the Board of Directors with an appropriate mix of knowledge, skills and experience for the needs of Aastrom’s business. The Governance Committee and the Board of Directors discuss the composition of directors on the Board, including diversity of background and experience, as part of the annual Board evaluation process.

 

Other than the criteria listed above, there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees. The Governance Committee does, however, recognize that under applicable regulatory requirements at least one member of the Board must meet the criteria for an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by SEC rules, and that at least a majority of the members of the Board must meet the definition of “independent director” under the NASDAQ listing standards or the listing standards of any other applicable self regulatory organization. The Governance Committee also believes it appropriate for at least one member of the Company’s management to participate as a member of the Board.

 

The Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to the Company’s business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board up for re-election at an upcoming annual meeting of shareholders does not wish to continue in service, the Governance Committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria above. Current members of the Governance Committee and Board will be polled for suggestions as to individuals meeting the criteria of the Governance Committee. Research may also be performed to identify qualified individuals. If the Governance Committee believes that the Board requires additional candidates for nomination, the Governance Committee may explore alternative sources for identifying additional candidates. This may include engaging, as appropriate, a third party search firm to assist in identifying qualified candidates.

 

The Governance Committee will evaluate any recommendation for director nominee proposed by a shareholder who (i) has continuously held at least 1% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting of shareholders for at least one year by the date the shareholder makes the recommendation and (ii) undertakes to continue to hold the common stock through the date of the meeting. In order to be evaluated in connection with the Company’s established procedures for evaluating potential director nominees, any recommendation for director nominee submitted by a qualifying shareholder must be received by the Company no later than 120 days prior to the anniversary of the date proxy statements were made available to shareholders in connection with the prior year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Any shareholder recommendation for director nominee must be submitted to the Corporate Secretary, in writing at 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby K, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 and must contain the following information:

 

 

 

The Governance Committee will evaluate recommendations for director nominees submitted by directors, management or qualifying shareholders in the same manner, using the criteria stated above.

 

All directors and director nominees will submit a completed form of directors’ and officers’ questionnaire as part of the nominating process. The process may also include interviews and additional background and reference checks for non-incumbent nominees, at the discretion of the Governance Committee.

 

The Board of Director’s general policy is that the position of Chairman of the Board may be held by the CEO, but that if those positions are held by the same individual or if the Chairman is otherwise not independent, the Board shall appoint an independent Lead Director. The CEO shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders and, unless a Chairman has been elected, at all meetings of the Board at which he is present. If a Chairman has been elected, he shall preside at all Board meetings at which he is present and, if independent, at all executive sessions of the independent directors, and shall perform such other powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the Board. If the Chairman is not independent and a Lead Director is appointed, he shall preside at executive sessions of the independent directors and will bear such further responsibilities as the full Board of Directors may designate from time to time. Currently, the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors is vacant and the Board has designated a Lead Director who is an independent director.

 

The independent members of the Board have periodically reviewed this leadership structure and believe it is appropriate for the Company at the current time as it provides an appropriate balance between the two roles of CEO and Lead Director. The CEO is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Company and the day-to-day leadership and performance of the Company, while the Lead Director provides guidance to the CEO and sets the agenda for Board meetings and presides over meetings of the full Board. The CEO and Lead Director provide leadership to the Board and work with the Board to define its structure and activities in the fulfillment of its responsibilities. The Lead Director presides over executive sessions and ensures that no conflict of interest arise between management and the functions of the Board and facilitates communication among the directors. The Lead Director and the CEO work together to provide an appropriate information flow to the Board and the Lead Director works with other Board members to provide strong, independent oversight of the Company’s management and affairs. Thus, the Board believes that the current structure balances the needs for the CEO to run the Company on a day-to-day basis with the benefit provided to the Company by significant involvement and leadership of an independent Lead Director.

 

The Board has adopted a Shareholder Communications with Directors Policy. The Shareholder Communications with Directors Policy is available on the Investor Relations page at the Company’s website, www.aastrom.com, and by following the Corporate Governance link.

 

The Board has adopted a Director Attendance at Annual Meetings Policy. This policy is available on the Investor Relations page at the Company’s website, www.aastrom.com, and by following the Corporate Governance link. All of the directors then in office attended the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held in October 2010.

 

The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors as well as a separate Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. These Codes of Ethics are available on the Investor Relations page at the Company’s website, www.aastrom.com, and by following the Corporate Governance link. We will also make information related to any amendments to, or waivers from these Codes of Ethics available on the website.

 

The Board has determined that all of the Board members, except for Mr. Mayleben, are independent within the meaning of the director independence standards of NASDAQ and the SEC. Mr. Mayleben is not considered independent because of his current employment by the Company.

 

Assessing and managing risk is the responsibility of Aastrom’s management. The Board oversees and reviews certain aspects of the Company’s risk management efforts. The Board is involved in risk oversight through direct decision-making authority with respect to significant matters and the oversight of management by the Board and its committees. Among other areas, the Board is directly involved in overseeing risks related to the Company’s overall strategy, including clinical and product development strategies, financing strategies, business continuity, crisis preparedness and corporate reputational risks.

 

The committees of the Board execute their oversight responsibility for risk management as follows:

 

 

The Audit Committee has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the consolidated financial statements of Aastrom for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has acted in such capacity since its appointment in fiscal year 1997.

 

Shareholder ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is not required by the Company’s Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board is submitting the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the shareholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

 

As part of its duties, the Audit Committee considers whether the provision of services, other than audit services, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent auditor for that period, is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence. The following table sets forth the aggregate fees accrued to the Company for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009 and the six-month period ended December 31, 2010 by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP:

 

 

 

 

The Audit Committee approves in advance the engagement and fees of the independent registered public accounting firm for all audit services and non-audit services, based upon independence, qualifications and, if applicable, performance. The Audit Committee may form and delegate to subcommittees of one or more members

of the Audit Committee the authority to grant pre-approvals for audit and permitted non-audit services, up to specific amounts. All audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and the six-month period ended December 31, 2010 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP attended all of the meetings of the Audit Committee during each of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and the six-month period ended December 31, 2010. We expect that a representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will attend the Annual Meeting, and the representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires. The representative will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal on the ratification of this appointment, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders at which a quorum representing a majority of all outstanding shares of common stock of Aastrom is present, either in person or by proxy, is required for ratification of this proposal. If you abstain from voting on this Proposal, it has no effect on the voting of the proposal. If you submit your proxy without indicating your voting instructions, your shares will be voted “FOR” this proposal.

 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Aastrom’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

 

The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 31, 2011, or as otherwise set forth below, with respect to the beneficial ownership of Aastrom’s common stock by (i) all persons known by Aastrom to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock of Aastrom; (ii) each director and director nominee of Aastrom, (iii) each executive officer of Aastrom named in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iv) all executive officers and directors of Aastrom as a group.

 

 

 

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

On November 11, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a change in our fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31. As such, the following table summarizes all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to Timothy M. Mayleben, the Company’s chief executive officer, Scott C. Durbin, the Company’s chief financial officer, and Ronnda L. Bartel, the Company’s chief scientific officer (the “named executive officers”) during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2010 and also during the six-month period ended December 31, 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

This amount represents the salary earned by Mr. Mayleben during the twelve months ended June 30, 2010, after his employment commenced.

 

 

The table below reflects all outstanding equity awards made to each of the named executive officers that were outstanding at December 31, 2010. We currently grant stock-based awards pursuant to our 2009 Plan and have outstanding awards under our 2004 Plan.

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2010

 

 

 

The following are summaries of the agreements with our named executive officers.

 

Mr. Mayleben’s Agreements

 

The following is a summary of Mr. Mayleben’s employment agreement as entered into on October 23, 2009, which became effective upon his assuming the roles of Chief Executive Officer and President immediately following the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Also described below are the terms of a Consulting Agreement dated October 23, 2009, entered into by the Company and Mr. Mayleben that covered the management transition period from September 3, 2009 until the date Mr. Mayleben assumed his new roles.

 

Under an employment agreement with Mr. Mayleben for his services as Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. Mayleben received an initial annual base salary of $425,000 and was eligible to receive a cash bonus (as a participant in Aastrom’s existing cash performance bonus program) based upon his performance, as determined by the Board of Directors, for up to 45% of his base salary. Mr. Mayleben was granted an initial stock option to purchase 375,000 shares of Company common stock (with an exercise price of $2.40, the fair market value on December 14, 2009, which is the date of grant, adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split). All 375,000 shares are subject to time vesting and vest in 48 equal monthly installments commencing on the first day of the calendar month first following the date of grant. In the event of his termination by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Mayleben for Good Reason within one year following a Change of Control (in each case, as those terms are defined in Mr. Mayleben’s employment agreement), the vesting of all his stock options will accelerate, with all options becoming fully exercisable. In addition, if Mr. Mayleben’s employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason within one year following a Change in Control, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to his one and one-half times his annual base salary at termination. If Mr. Mayleben’s employment is terminated without Cause or if he terminates his employment for Good Reason (in each case, other than in conjunction with a Change of Control), he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to one year of his annual base salary at termination. In addition, in the event of Mr. Mayleben’s termination without Cause or for Good Reason, the Company will pay the costs of his first 12 months of continued medical coverage under COBRA. All severance payments under the Agreement, including any accelerated vesting of options and the Company’s payment of Mr. Mayleben’s COBRA premiums, is conditioned upon Mr. Mayleben executing a release of claims against the Company.

 

Mr. Mayleben agrees not to disclose confidential information of the Company; during the term of his agreement and for a period of one year thereafter, not to solicit employees, customers or vendors of the Company; and during the term of his agreement and for a period of one year thereafter, not to compete with the Company.

 

In the event of a Change in Control, if the payments to Mr. Mayleben constitute excess parachute payments, he will receive either (i) the entire benefit and pay the excise taxes on the excess amount or (ii) reduced payments, whichever will provide the greater amount of benefits to Mr. Mayleben on an after-tax basis. If he chooses the latter, the Company will not be entitled to a deduction for the excess amounts on which Mr. Mayleben is required to pay excise taxes.

In addition to the employment agreement entered into between Mr. Mayleben and the Company, on October 23, 2009, the Company and Mr. Mayleben entered into a Consulting Agreement, which covered the management transition period from September 3, 2009 until the date of the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders when Mr. Mayleben assumed his new roles. Under the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Mayleben was paid a lump sum of $50,000 on the commencement of his employment as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, for the time, effort and consulting services provided by Mr. Mayleben during the term of the Consulting Agreement in preparing to take on and getting involved in day to day activities of the Company prior to assuming his new roles. The Company determined that the Consulting Agreement was desirable in order to better assure that the management transition went as smoothly as possible. During this period Mr. Mayleben continued as an independent contractor to the Company and not as an employee.

 

Mr. Durbin’s Agreement

 

Mr. Durbin’s employment agreement provides that Mr. Durbin will receive an initial annual base salary of $275,000 and his base salary shall be redetermined annually by the Company’s CEO in consultation with the Compensation Committee. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Durbin will also be eligible to receive cash incentive compensation as determined by the CEO in consultation with the Compensation Committee from time to time. Mr. Durbin’s target annual incentive compensation shall be 35% of his then-current base salary.

 

In accordance with the employment agreement and as approved by the Board, Mr. Durbin was granted an initial stock option to purchase 275,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.44 (the “Initial Option”). All 275,000 shares are subject to time vesting with 25% of the shares vesting on the first anniversary of the date of the employment agreement and the remaining shares vesting monthly in equal tranches over the following 36 months. Subject to approval by the Board, Mr. Durbin will be eligible to receive an additional option grant to purchase 80,000 shares of the Company’s common stock based on Mr. Durbin’s performance during the 12 month period following the date of the employment agreement as determined by the Board in its discretion and at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the effective date of grant (the “Subsequent Option”). The Initial Option and the Subsequent Option shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2009 Plan and form of stock option agreement.

 

In the event of his termination by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Durbin for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in Mr. Durbin’s employment agreement), and subject to Mr. Durbin’s signing a general release of claims, the Company shall pay Mr. Durbin an amount equal to nine months of his then-current base salary in nine substantially equal monthly installments. Additionally, all stock options and other stock-based awards which would have vested had Mr. Durbin remained employed for an additional nine months following the date of termination shall become exercisable as of the date of termination. Mr. Durbin would also be entitled to continued participation in the Company’s group health, dental and vision programs for nine months following the date of termination.

 

In the event of his termination by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Durbin for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change in Control (as such term is defined in Mr. Durbin’s employment agreement), and subject to Mr. Durbin’s signing a general release of claims, the Company shall pay to Mr. Durbin a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to 12 months of his then-current base salary (or his base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, if higher). Additionally and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any applicable option agreement or stock-based award agreement, all stock options and other stock-based awards held by Mr. Durbin shall immediately accelerate and become exercisable as of the termination date. Mr. Durbin would also be entitled to continued participation in the Company’s group health, dental and vision programs for 12 months following the date of termination.

 

If any payments to Mr. Durbin, calculated in a manner consistent with Section 280G of the Code, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, he will receive either the entire benefit or reduced payments, which alternative will be determined by a nationally recognized accounting firm selected by the Company.

 

In addition, during his employment and after termination of the employment agreement, Mr. Durbin has agreed to keep the Company’s confidential information in confidence and trust and has agreed not to use or disclose such confidential information without the Company’s written consent except as necessary in the ordinary course of

performing his duties to the Company. During the term of his employment agreement and for a period of 12 months thereafter Mr. Durbin also agrees not to compete with the Company and not to solicit employees, customers or suppliers of the Company.

 

Dr. Bartel’s Agreement

 

In March 2011, Dr. Bartel entered into a new employment agreement that replaced and superseded her December 2009 employment agreement. Dr. Bartel’s new employment agreement provides that Dr. Bartel will receive an initial annual base salary of $243,389, which is the same annual base salary provided under her old agreement. Under her new employment agreement, Dr. Bartel’s annual base salary will be redetermined annually by the Company’s CEO in consultation with the Compensation Committee. Dr. Bartel’s new employment agreement also provides that Dr. Bartel will be eligible to receive cash incentive compensation, as determined by the CEO in consultation with the Compensation Committee from time to time, with a target annual incentive compensation of 30% of her then-current base salary.

 

Under the new employment agreement, in the event of Dr. Bartel’s termination by the Company without Cause or by Dr. Bartel for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the new employment agreement), and subject to Dr. Bartel signing a general release of claims, the Company shall pay Dr. Bartel an amount equal to nine months of her then-current base salary in nine substantially equal monthly installments. Additionally, Dr. Bartel’s new employment agreement provides that all stock options and other stock-based awards which would have vested had Dr. Bartel remained employed for an additional nine months following the date of termination shall become exercisable as of the date of termination. Dr. Bartel would also be entitled to continued participation in the Company’s group health, dental and vision programs for nine months following the date of such termination.

 

Under Dr. Bartel’s employment agreement, in the event of her termination by the Company without Cause or by Dr. Bartel for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change in Control (as such term is defined in Dr. Bartel’s employment agreement), and subject to Dr. Bartel’s signing a general release of claims, the Company shall pay to Dr. Bartel a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to 12 months of her then-current base salary (or her base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, if higher). Dr. Bartel’s employment agreement additionally provides that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any applicable option agreement or stock-based award agreement, all stock options and other stock-based awards held by Dr. Bartel shall immediately accelerate and become exercisable as of the termination date. Under the employment agreement, Dr. Bartel would also be entitled to continued participation in the Company’s group health, dental and vision programs for 12 months following the date of such termination.

 

If any payments to Dr. Bartel, calculated in a manner consistent with Section 280G of the Code, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, she will receive either the entire benefit or reduced payments, which alternative will be determined by a nationally recognized accounting firm selected by the Company.

 

Under Dr. Bartel’s employment agreement, Dr. Bartel agrees to keep the Company’s confidential information in confidence and trust, during her employment and after the termination of her employment, and agrees not to use or disclose such confidential information without the Company’s written consent except as necessary in the ordinary course of performing her duties to the Company. Dr. Bartel also agrees that, during her employment agreement and for a period of 12 months thereafter, she would neither compete with the Company nor solicit any employees, customers or suppliers of the Company.

 

Acceleration of Vesting Under Stock Option Plans

 

Generally, in the event of a Change in Control of Aastrom (as defined in the Company’s 2009 Plan) if awards under the 2009 Plan are not assumed or substituted, awards shall vest on the day prior to the Change in Control and terminate on the day of the Change in Control. If assumed or substituted and the participant’s board membership or services to the Company are terminated by the Company within 12 months of the Change in Control, the awards shall become fully vested and exercisable and may be exercised at any time prior to the earlier of the expiration date of the award or within three months of the date of termination. However, if the fair market value on the date of the

Change in Control is less than the exercise price of the option or stock appreciation right, such option or stock appreciation right shall then terminate on the date of the Change in Control.

 

For awards issued under the 2004 Plan, in the event of a Change in Control of Aastrom (as defined in the Company’s 2004 Plan), if such awards are not assumed, cashed-out or substituted, then the awards shall vest as of ten days prior to the date of the Change in Control and terminate on the day of the Change in Control. In general, options granted to executive officers of Aastrom will become fully exercisable if such officer is terminated following a Change in Control and options granted to non-employee directors will become fully vested and immediately exercisable upon a Change in Control.

 

The following table sets forth information about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2010.

 

 

 

 

The Director Compensation table reflects all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the Company’s non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and for the six-month period ended December 31, 2010.

 

2010 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
FOR THE TWELVE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2010 AND DECEMBER 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, receives an annual fee of $50,000 paid in equal quarterly increments. Each non-employee director receives an annual fee of $25,000 paid in equal quarterly increments. The chairperson of each standing committee receives an additional annual fee of $7,500 and each non-chair committee member receives an additional annual fee of $5,000, payable quarterly. Following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Company expects to continue to pay a supplemental fee of $7,500 to the Lead Director, paid in equal quarterly increments.

 

Stock and Option Awards.  We had in place a non-employee director compensation policy whereby a non-employee director who continued to serve beyond an Annual Meeting of Shareholders would receive a stock option to purchase 55,000 shares granted on the date of each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant, vesting in equal quarterly increments over a period of one year. Newly elected directors joining the Board during the period between Annual Meetings of Shareholders would receive a grant for a pro rata amount of the 55,000 shares subject to option (reflecting the period of time until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders). These equity grants would be made under the terms of the existing equity compensation plans, as previously approved by the shareholders. We are in the process of reviewing our current policy and, beginning with Dr. Cresswell, are currently offering new directors, upon joining the Board, an award of options to purchase 85,000 shares of Aastrom common stock that vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. Amounts in the stock and option awards columns represent the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 (disregarding forfeiture assumptions). For

a discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the dollar amount recognized, see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2010 filed with the SEC on September 7, 2010.

 

Previously, stock options issued to directors terminated and could no longer be exercised after the first to occur of (a) the expiration date of the option, (b) at any time prior to the expiration of three months after the date on which the service to the Company was terminated or (c) a change in control to the extent provided in the stock option agreement. On October 5, 2009, the Board of Directors determined that stock options already issued to directors shall terminate and no longer be exercised after the first to occur of (a) the expiration date of the option, (b) at any time prior to the expiration of 24 months after the date on which the service to the Company is terminated or (c) a change in control to the extent provided in the stock option agreement. This revision was made by the Board upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee after it had consulted with its independent compensation consultant who recommended the change. The independent compensation consultant advised that by lengthening the period the directors could exercise their options, it would neutralize market timing on their service decisions.

 

Option Holdings.  Non-employee directors held the following stock options as of December 31, 2010:

 

 

The Board is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical conduct in fulfilling its responsibilities and recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, as a general matter, it is Aastrom’s preference to avoid related party transactions.

 

Aastrom’s Audit Committee Charter requires that members of the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent directors, review and approve all related party transactions for which such approval is required under applicable law, including SEC and NASDAQ rules. All related party transactions shall be disclosed in Aastrom’s applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as required under SEC rules.

 

There were no such reportable relationships or related party transactions during fiscal year 2009 or 2010.

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires Aastrom’s executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of Aastrom’s common stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. Such persons are required by the SEC regulations to furnish Aastrom with copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed by such persons.

 

Based solely on Aastrom’s review of such forms furnished to it and written representations from certain reporting persons, Aastrom believes its executive officers, directors and more than 10% shareholders have complied with all filing requirements.

 

The Audit Committee oversees Aastrom’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including internal control systems. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is responsible for expressing an opinion as to the conformity of our audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles and an opinion on our internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written charter that has been adopted by the Board of Directors.

 

The Audit Committee consists of three directors, each of whom, in the judgment of the Board, is an “independent director” as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ listing standards. Nelson M. Sims and Alan L. Rubino were members of the Audit Committee during the six-month period ended December 31, 2010. Dr. Zerbe was a member of the Audit Committee from September 2009 through October 2010, when he was replaced by Ronald M. Cresswell.

 

The Committee has discussed and reviewed with the independent registered public accountants all matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol.1, AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) in Rule 3200T. The Committee has received written disclosures and a letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP confirming their independence, as required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the accountant’s independence. The Committee has met with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with and without management present, to discuss the overall scope of the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audit, the results of its audits, its evaluations of Aastrom’s internal controls and the overall quality of its financial reporting. The Committee reviewed the performance and fees of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP prior to recommending their appointment. The Committee reviewed the Company’s financial statements and discussed them with management and with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that Aastrom’s audited financial statements be included in Aastrom’s Transition Report on Form 10-K for the six-month period ended December 31, 2010.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

Nelson M. Sims, Chair
Alan L. Rubino
Ronald M. Cresswell

 

Under Aastrom’s Bylaws, in order for business and director nominations to be properly brought before a meeting by a shareholder, such shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Corporate Secretary of Aastrom. To be timely, such notice must be received at Aastrom’s principal executive offices not less than 120 calendar days in advance of the one year anniversary of the date Aastrom’s proxy statement was released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, except that (i) if no Annual Meeting was held in the previous year, (ii) if the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than thirty calendar days from the date contemplated at the time of the previous year’s proxy statement or (iii) in the event of a special meeting, then notice must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the meeting date was made.

 

If none of the events described in (i) through (iii) above occur, then the deadline for submitting shareholder proposals or nominations for directors for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the SEC’s proxy rules for the next Annual Meeting of shareholders will be December 14, 2011 and shareholder proposals submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 received after December 14, 2011 will be considered untimely under Aastrom’s Bylaws. In order to be brought before the next Annual Meeting, any such proposal or nomination must include the relevant information as required under the Company’s Bylaws and must otherwise meet applicable requirements of the SEC’s proxy rules if such proposal or nomination is to be included in the Company’s proxy statement for the next Annual Meeting.

 

Shareholder proposals and director nominations should be delivered to: Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, P.O. Box 376, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48106, Attention: Secretary. Aastrom recommends that such proposals be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

 

DELIVERY OF PROXY MATERIALS AND ANNUAL REPORT

 

Electronic Delivery

 

The notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and Annual Report is available at www.proxyvote.com. Instead of receiving paper copies of the Annual Report and Proxy Statement in the mail, shareholders can elect to receive these communications electronically at www.proxyvote.com.

 

Many brokerage firms and banks are also offering electronic proxy materials to their clients. If you are a beneficial owner of the Company’s stock, you may contact that broker or bank to find out whether this service is available to you. If your broker or bank uses Broadridge Investor Communications, you can sign up to receive electronic proxy materials at www.proxyvote.com.

 

“Householding” is the term used to describe the practice of delivering one copy of a document to a household of shareholders instead of delivering one copy of a document to each shareholder in the household. Shareholders who share a common address and who have not opted out of the householding process should receive a single copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for each account. If you received more than one copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, you may elect to household in the future; if you received a single copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, you may opt out of householding in the future.

 

Shareholders may obtain a copy of this Proxy Statement by writing to the Company at the following address: Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, P.O. Box 376, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48106.

 

At the date of this Proxy Statement, the only business which the Board of Directors intends to present or knows that others will present at the meeting is as set forth above. If any other matter or matters are properly brought before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the proxy on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Scott C. Durbin
Corporate Secretary

 

April 14, 2011