UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

☐     Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐     Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒     Definitive Proxy Statement

☐     Definitive Additional Materials

☐     Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

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Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

☒     No fee required

☐     Fee paid previously with preliminary materials

☐     Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) an 0-11

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Kiromic BioPharma, Inc.

7707 Fannin Street; Suite 140

Houston, TX 77054

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on MARCH 7, 2023

Dear Stockholder:

We are pleased to invite you to attend the special meeting of stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc (“Kiromic” or the “Company”), which will be held on March 7, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. local time at our offices, located at 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77054, for the following purposes:

Our board of directors has fixed the close of business on January 18, 2023 as the record date for a determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

If You Plan to Attend

Please note that space limitations make it necessary to limit attendance of the Special Meeting to our stockholders. Registration and seating will begin at 8:00 a.m. Shares of common stock can be voted at the Special Meeting only if the holder thereof is present in person or by valid proxy.

For admission to the Special Meeting, each stockholder may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and proof of stock ownership as of the record date, such as the enclosed proxy card or a brokerage statement reflecting stock ownership. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the Special Meeting. If you do not plan on attending the Special Meeting, please vote, date and sign the enclosed proxy and return it in the business envelope provided. Even if you do plan to attend the Special Meeting, we recommend that you vote your shares at your earliest convenience in order to ensure your representation at the Special Meeting. Your vote is very important.

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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting to Be Held on March 7, 2023.

The proxy statement is available at

https://www.viewproxy.com/KiromicSM/2023.

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Dated: January 26, 2023

Whether or not you expect to attend the Special Meeting in person, we urge you to vote your shares at your earliest convenience. This will ensure the presence of a quorum at the Special Meeting. Promptly voting your shares will save the Company the expenses and extra work of additional solicitation. An addressed envelope for which no postage is required if mailed in the United States is enclosed if you wish to vote by mail. Submitting your proxy now will not prevent you from voting your shares at the Special Meeting if you desire to do so, as your proxy is revocable at your option. Your vote is important, so please act today!

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PROXY STATEMENT

2023 SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MARCH 7, 2023

The board of directors (the “Board”) of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (“Kiromic” or the “Company”) is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held at our offices, located at 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77054, on March 7, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. local time, including at any adjournments or postponements of the Special Meeting. You are invited to attend the Special Meeting to vote on the proposal described in this proxy statement. However, you do not need to attend the Special Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card if you received paper copies of the proxy materials, or follow the instructions below to submit your proxy over the Internet.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY MATERIAL AND VOTING

What is a proxy?

A proxy statement is a document that we are required by regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, to give you when we ask you to provide a proxy to vote your shares at the Special Meeting.  Among other things, this Proxy Statement describes the proposals on which stockholders will be voting and provides information about us.  

We are soliciting your proxy to vote at the Special Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the Special Meeting. We will use the proxies received in connection with proposals to:

How do I attend the Special Meeting?

The Special Meeting will be held on March 7, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. local time at our offices, located at 7707 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77054. Directions to the Special Meeting may be found at the back of this Proxy Statement. Information on how to vote in person at the Special Meeting is discussed below.

Who May Attend the Special Meeting?

Only record holders and beneficial owners of our common stock, or their duly authorized proxies, may attend the Special Meeting. If your shares of common stock are held in street name, you will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement or other documentation reflecting your stock ownership as of the Record Date.

Who is Entitled to Vote?

The Board has fixed the close of business on January 18, 2023 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only stockholders who owned our common stock on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 20,504,701 shares of our common stock outstanding.

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What is the Difference Between Holding Shares as a Record Holder and as a Beneficial Owner (Holding Shares in Street Name)?

If your shares are registered in your name with our transfer agent, VStock Transfer, Inc., you are the “record holder” of those shares. If you are a record holder, these proxy materials have been provided directly to you by the Company.

If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account, a bank or other holder of record, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares in “street name.” If your shares are held in street name, these proxy materials have been forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Special Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct this organization on how to vote your shares. The majority of our stockholders hold their shares in street name.

What am I voting on?

There are three (3) matters scheduled for a vote:

What if another matter is properly brought before the Special Meeting?

The Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Special Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Special Meeting, your proxy gives authority to the designated proxy holders to vote on such matters according to their best judgment.

How Do I Vote?

Stockholders of Record

For your convenience, record holders of our common stock have three methods of voting:

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Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name

For your convenience, beneficial owners of our common stock have three methods of voting:

All shares entitled to vote and represented by a properly completed and executed proxy received before the Special Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the Special Meeting as instructed in a proxy delivered before the Special Meeting. If you do not indicate how your shares should be voted on a matter, the shares represented by your properly completed and executed proxy will be voted as the Board recommends on each of the enumerated proposals, with regard to any other matters that may be properly presented at the Special Meeting and on all matters incident to the conduct of the Special Meeting. If you are a registered stockholder and attend the Special Meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in person. If you are a street name stockholder and wish to vote at the Special Meeting, you will need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that holds your shares. All votes will be tabulated by the inspector of elections appointed for the Special Meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes.

We provide Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.

How Many Votes do I Have?

Each share of our common stock that you own as of January 18, 2023 entitles you to one vote.

Is My Vote Confidential?

Yes, your vote is confidential. Only the inspector of elections, individuals who help with processing and counting your votes and persons who need access for legal reasons will have access to your vote. This information will not be disclosed, except as required by law.

How Will my Shares be Voted if I Give No Specific Instruction?

We must vote your shares as you have instructed. If there is a matter on which a stockholder of record has given no specific instruction but has authorized us generally to vote the shares, they will be voted as follows:

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This authorization would exist, for example, if a stockholder of record merely signs, dates and returns the proxy card but does not indicate how its shares are to be voted on one or more proposals. If other matters properly come before the Special Meeting and you do not provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted at the discretion of the proxies.

How are Votes Counted?

Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Special Meeting who will count votes  “FOR” and “AGAINST,” abstentions and broker non-votes.

What is a Broker Non-Vote?

If your shares are held in street name, you must instruct the organization who holds your shares how to vote your shares. If you sign your proxy card but do not provide instructions on how your broker should vote on “routine” proposals, your broker will vote your shares as recommended by the Board. If you do not provide voting instructions, your shares will not be voted on any “non-routine” proposals. This vote is called a “broker non-vote.” Because broker non-votes are not considered under Delaware law to be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, broker non-votes will not be included in the tabulation of the voting results of any of the proposals and, therefore, will have no effect on these proposals.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. However, under current New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules and interpretations that govern broker non-votes: Proposal No. 1 for the approval of the reverse stock split is considered a discretionary matter, and a broker will be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal. Proposal No. 2 and 3 for the approval of the Exchange Cap Proposal and Share Cap Proposal, respectively, are considered non-discretionary matters, and a broker will not be permittee to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposals.  Because NYSE rules apply to all brokers that are members of the NYSE, this prohibition applies to the Special Meeting even though our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

What is an Abstention?

An abstention is a stockholder’s affirmative choice to decline to vote on a proposal. Under Delaware law, abstentions are counted as shares present and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

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How Many Votes are Needed for Each Proposal to Pass?

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What Are the Voting Procedures?

In voting by proxy with regard to the reverse stock split, you may vote in favor of or against the proposal, or you may abstain from voting on the proposal. In voting by proxy with regard to the Exchange Cap Proposal and the Share Cap Proposal, you may vote in favor of or against either proposal, or you may abstain from voting on either proposal. You should specify your respective choices on the accompanying proxy card or your vote instruction form.

Is My Proxy Revocable?

You may revoke your proxy and reclaim your right to vote at any time before your proxy is voted by giving written notice to the Secretary of Kiromic, by delivering a properly completed, later-dated proxy card or vote instruction form or by voting in person at the Special Meeting. All written notices of revocation and other communications with respect to revocations of proxies should be addressed to: 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77054, Attention: Secretary, or by facsimile at 866-419-6193. Your most current proxy card or Internet or telephone proxy is the one that will be counted.

Who is Paying for the Expenses Involved in Preparing and Mailing this Proxy Statement?

All of the expenses involved in preparing, assembling and mailing these proxy materials and all costs of soliciting proxies will be paid by us. We have engaged Alliance Advisors, LLC to assist in the solicitation of proxies and provide related advice and information support, for a services fee and the reimbursement of customary disbursements, which are not expected to exceed $32,000 in the aggregate.  In addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by our officers and other employees by telephone or in person. Such persons will receive no compensation for their services other than their regular salaries. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and

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fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of the shares held of record by such persons, and we may reimburse such persons for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding solicitation materials.

How can I Find out the Results of the Voting at the Special Meeting?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Special Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC within four business days after the Special Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K with the SEC within four business days after the Special Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an additional Form 8-K to publish the final results.

When are Stockholder Proposals Due for the 2023 Annual Meeting?

Any appropriate proposal submitted by a stockholder and intended to be presented at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2023 Annual Meeting”) must have been submitted in writing to the Company’s Secretary at 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77054 and received no later than December 31, 2022, 2023, to be includable in the Company’s proxy statement and related proxy for the 2023 Annual Meeting. However, if the date of the 2023 Annual Meeting is convened more than 30 days before, or delayed by more than 30 days after, June 22, 2023, to be considered for inclusion in proxy materials for our 2023 Annual Meeting, a stockholder proposal must be submitted in writing to the Company’s Secretary at 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77054, a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials for the 2023 Annual Meeting. A stockholder proposal will need to comply with the SEC regulations under Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), regarding the inclusion of stockholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. Although the Board will consider stockholder proposals, we reserve the right to omit from our proxy statement, or to vote against, stockholder proposals that we are not required to include under the Exchange Act, including Rule 14a-8.

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PROPOSAL 1

THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL

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Our board of directors has approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to combine the outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares (a “Reverse Stock Split”). If approved by the stockholders as proposed, the board of directors would have the sole discretion to effect the Reverse Stock Split, if at all, within one (1) year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders and to fix the specific ratio for the combination within a range of one-for-two (1-for-2) to a maximum of a one-for-thirty (1-for-30) split. The board of directors has the discretion to abandon the amendment and not implement the Reverse Stock Split.

If approved by our stockholders, this proposal would permit (but not require) the board of directors to effect a Reverse Stock Split of the outstanding shares of our common stock within one (1) year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders, at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-two (1-for-2) to a maximum of a one-for-thirty (1-for-30) split, with the specific ratio to be fixed within this range by the board of directors in its sole discretion without further stockholder approval. We believe that enabling the board of directors to fix the specific ratio of the Reverse Stock Split within the stated range will provide us with the flexibility to implement it in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated benefits for our stockholders.

In fixing the ratio, the board of directors may consider, among other things, factors such as: the initial and continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market; the number of shares of our common stock outstanding; potential financing opportunities; and prevailing general market and economic conditions.

The Reverse Stock Split, if approved by our stockholders, would become effective upon the filing of the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at the later time set forth in the amendment. The exact timing of the amendment will be determined by the board of directors based on its evaluation as to when such action will be the most advantageous to our Company and our stockholders. In addition, the board of directors reserves the right, notwithstanding stockholder approval and without further action by the stockholders, to abandon the amendment and the Reverse Stock Split if, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the filing of the amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, the board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders to proceed.

The proposed form of amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. Any amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split will include the Reverse Stock Split ratio fixed by the board of directors, within the range approved by our stockholders.

Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split

The Company’s primary reasons for approving and recommending the Reverse Stock Split are to make our common stock more attractive to certain institutional investors, which would provide for a stronger investor base and to increase the per share price and bid price of our common stock to regain compliance with the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq.

On March 18, 2022, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications staff of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that it was no longer in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) requires listed companies to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Bid Requirement”). The letter noted that the bid price of the Company’s common stock was below $1.00 for the 30-consecutive business day period from February 3, 2022 through March 17, 2022.

The notification letter had no immediate effect on the Company’s listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has 180 days, or until September 14, 2022, to regain

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compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days.

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Since the Company had not regained compliance by September 14, 2022, the Company was eligible for an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. To qualify, the Company was required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market with the exception of the Minimum Bid Requirement and provided Nasdaq with written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period, by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. On September 15, 2022, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq advising that the Company has been granted a 180-day extension to March 13, 2023 to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A).

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However, if it appears to Listing Qualifications staff that the Company will not be able to cure the deficiency, or if the Company does not meet the other listing standards, Nasdaq could provide notice that the Company’s common stock will become subject to delisting. In the event the Company receives notice that its common stock is being delisted, Nasdaq rules permit the Company to appeal any delisting determination by the Nasdaq staff to a Hearings Panel.

Reducing the number of outstanding shares of common stock should, absent other factors, generally increase the per share market price of the common stock. Although the intent of the Reverse Stock Split is to increase the price of the common stock, there can be no assurance, however, that even if the Reverse Stock Split is effected, that the Company’s bid price of the Company’s common stock will be sufficient, over time, for the Company to regain or maintain compliance with the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement.

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In addition, the Company believes the Reverse Stock Split will make its common stock more attractive to a broader range of investors, as it believes that the current market price of the common stock may prevent certain institutional investors, professional investors and other members of the investing public from purchasing stock. Many brokerage houses and institutional investors have internal policies and practices that either prohibit them from investing in low-priced stocks or tend to discourage individual brokers from recommending low-priced stocks to their customers. Furthermore, some of those policies and practices may function to make the processing of trades in low-priced stocks economically unattractive to brokers. Moreover, because brokers’ commissions on low-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stocks, the current average price per share of common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction costs representing a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price were higher. The Company believes that the Reverse Stock Split will make our common stock a more attractive and cost effective investment for many investors, which in turn would enhance the liquidity of the holders of our common stock.

Reducing the number of outstanding shares of our common stock through the Reverse Stock Split is intended, absent other factors, to increase the per share market price of our common stock. However, other factors, such as our financial results, market conditions and the market perception of our business may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Reverse Stock Split, if completed, will result in the intended benefits described above, that the market price of our common stock will increase following the Reverse Stock Split, that as a result of the Reverse Stock Split we will be able to meet or maintain a bid price over the minimum bid price requirement of Nasdaq or that the market price of our common stock will not decrease in the future. Additionally, we cannot assure you that the market price per share of our common stock after the Reverse Stock Split will increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before the Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock after the Reverse Stock Split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the Reverse Stock Split.

In evaluating whether to seek stockholder approval for the Reverse Stock Split, our Board took into consideration negative factors associated with reverse stock splits. These factors include: the negative perception of reverse stock splits that investors, analysts and other stock market participants may hold; the fact that the stock prices of some companies that have effected reverse stock splits have subsequently declined, sometimes significantly, following their reverse stock splits;

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the possible adverse effect on liquidity that a reduced number of outstanding shares could cause; and the costs associated with implementing a reverse stock split.

Even if our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split, our Board reserves the right not to effect the Reverse Stock Split if in our Board’s opinion it would not be in the best interests of the Company or our stockholders to effect such Reverse Stock Split.

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Potential Effects of the Proposed Amendment

If our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split and the board of directors effects it, the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding will be reduced, depending upon the ratio determined by the board of directors. The Reverse Stock Split will affect all holders of our common stock uniformly and will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the Company, except that as described below in “Fractional Shares,” record holders of common stock otherwise entitled to a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split because they hold a number of shares not evenly divisible by the Reverse Stock Split ratio will automatically be entitled to receive an additional fraction of a share of common stock to round up to the next whole share. In addition, the Reverse Stock Split will not affect any stockholder’s proportionate voting power (subject to the treatment of fractional shares).

The Reverse Stock Split will not change the terms of the common stock. Additionally, the Reverse Stock Split will have no effect on the number of common stock that we are authorized to issue. After the Reverse Stock Split, the shares of common stock will have the same voting rights and rights to dividends and distributions and will be identical in all other respects to the common stock now authorized. The common stock will remain fully paid and non-assessable.

After the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, we will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act.

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Registered “Book-Entry” Holders of Common Stock

Our registered holders of common stock hold some or all of their shares electronically in book-entry form with the transfer agent. These stockholders do not have stock certificates evidencing their ownership of the common stock. They are, however, provided with statements reflecting the number of shares registered in their accounts.

Stockholders who hold shares electronically in book-entry form with the transfer agent will not need to take action to receive evidence of their shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock.

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Fractional Shares

We will not issue fractional shares in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares because they hold a number of shares not evenly divisible by the Reverse Stock Split ratio will automatically be entitled to receive an additional fraction of a share of common stock to round up to the next whole share. In any event, cash will not be paid for fractional shares.

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Effect of the Reverse Stock Split on Outstanding Stock Options and Warrants

Based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio, proportionate adjustments are generally required to be made to the per share exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants. This would result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid under such options or warrants upon exercise, and approximately the same value of shares of common stock being delivered upon such exercise immediately following the Reverse Stock Split as was the case immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split. The number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to these securities will be reduced proportionately based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio.

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Accounting Matters

The proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation will not affect the par value of our common stock. As a result, at the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to the common stock will be reduced in the same proportion as the Reverse Stock Split ratio, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The per share net income or loss will be restated for prior periods to conform to the post-Reverse Stock Split presentation.

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Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split

The following summary describes, as of the date of this proxy statement, certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to holders of our common stock. This summary addresses the tax consequences only to a U.S. holder, which is a beneficial owner of our common stock that is either:

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This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial authority, all as in effect as of the date of this proxy statement. Subsequent developments in U.S. federal income tax law, including changes in law or differing interpretations, which may be applied retroactively, could have a material effect on the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.

This summary does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to any particular investor, including tax considerations that arise from rules of general application to all taxpayers or to certain classes of taxpayers or that are generally assumed to be known by investors. This summary also does not address the tax consequences to (i) persons that may be subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as banks, insurance companies, thrift institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, U.S. expatriates, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, partnerships or other pass-through entities, traders in securities that elect to mark to market and dealers in securities or currencies, (ii) persons that hold our common stock as part of a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging transaction,” “conversion transaction” or other integrated investment transaction for federal income tax purposes or (iii) persons that do not hold our common stock as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not address backup withholding and information reporting. This summary does not address U.S. holders who beneficially own common stock through a “foreign financial institution” (as defined in Code Section 1471(d)(4)) or certain other non-U.S. entities specified in Code Section 1472. This summary does not address tax considerations arising under any state, local or foreign laws, or under federal estate or gift tax laws.

If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships that hold our common stock, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.

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Each holder should consult his, her or its own tax advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split, as well as the consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction, including any foreign, state, or local income tax consequences.

General Tax Treatment of the Reverse Stock Split

The Reverse Stock Split is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368 of the Code that should constitute a “recapitalization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming the Reverse Stock Split qualifies as a reorganization, a U.S. holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of our ordinary shares for a lesser number of ordinary shares, based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio. A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the lesser number of ordinary shares received in the Reverse Stock Split will be the same such U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the shares of our common stock that such U.S. holder owned immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split. The holding period for the ordinary shares received in the Reverse Stock Split will include the period during which a U.S. holder held the shares of our common stock that were surrendered in the Reverse Stock Split. The United States Treasury regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares of our common stock surrendered to the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. U.S. holders of shares of our common stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.

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THE FOREGOING IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A TAX OPINION. EACH HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT TO THEM AND FOR REFERENCE TO APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE.

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Interests of Officers and Directors in this Proposal

Our officers and directors do not have any substantial interest, direct or indirect, in this proposal.

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Required Vote of Stockholders

The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company entitled to vote, voting together as a single class, on this item at the Special Meeting is required for approval of this Proposal 1. Proxies solicited by our Board of Directors will be voted for approval of this Proposal 1 unless otherwise specified.

Board Recommendation

The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal 1.

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PROPOSAL 2

APPROVAL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NASDAQ MARKETPLACE RULE 5635(D), OF THE ISSUANCE OF OUR COMMON STOCK TO YORKVILLE IN EXCESS OF THE EXCHANGE CAP OF THE STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 13, 2022, BY AND BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND YORKVILLE (THE “EXCHANGE CAP PROPOSAL”)

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Background

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As previously disclosed, on October 13, 2022, we entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (the “SEPA,” included as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement) with YA II PN, Ltd. (“Yorkville”). Pursuant to the SEPA, the Company shall have the right, but not the obligation, to sell to the Investor up to $5,000,000 (the “Commitment Amount”) of its shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), subject to increase by an additional $3,000,000 of Common Stock at the Company’s election (the “Commitment Increase”), at the Company’s request any time during the commitment period commencing on October 13, 2022 and terminating on the earliest of (i) the first day of the month following the 24-month anniversary of the SEPA and (ii) the date on which the Investor shall have made payment of any advances requested pursuant to the SEPA for shares of the Common Stock equal to the Commitment Amount. Each sale the Company requests under the SEPA (an “Advance”) may be for the greater of (i) an amount of shares of Common Stock equal to the average of the daily traded amount of the Common Stock during the five trading days immediately preceding the notice of an Advance or (ii) $1,000,000. The shares would be purchased at 95.0% of the Market Price (as defined below) and would be subject to certain limitations, including that the Investor could not purchase any shares that would result in it owning more than 9.99% of the outstanding Common Stock after such purchase (the "Ownership Limitation") or an aggregate of 19.99% of the outstanding Common Stock as of the date of the SEPA (the "Exchange Cap"). The Exchange Cap will not apply under certain circumstances, including to any sales of Common Stock under the SEPA that equal or exceed $0.3111, representing the lower of (i) the closing price of the Common Stock as reflected on Nasdaq.com immediately preceding the date of the SEPA, or (ii) the average closing price of the Common Stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the SEPA. “Market Price” is defined in the SEPA as the lowest of the daily VWAPs (as defined below) of the Common Stock during each of the three consecutive trading days commencing on the day of the Company’s submission of an Advance notice to the Investor. “VWAP” is defined in the SEPA to mean, for any trading day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date on the Nasdaq Capital Market as reported by Bloomberg L.P. during regular trading hours.  .

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As of the date of the SEPA, there were 16,466,718 shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding. Accordingly, the Exchange Cap is 3,291,696 shares. The SEPA provides that (a) the Exchange Cap will not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved issuances in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market, and (b) as to any Advance, if the purchase price of shares in respect of such Advance equals or exceeds $0.3111 per share (which represents the lower of (i) the closing price of common stock as reported on the “Historical NOCP” section of the web site Nasdaq.com for the ticker symbol “KRBP.” (the “Nasdaq Official Closing Price”) on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the SEPA; or (ii) the average Nasdaq Official Closing Price for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the SEPA).

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Pursuant to the SEPA, we will use the proceeds from the sale of SEPA Shares for working capital and other general corporate purposes or, if different, in a manner consistent with the application thereof described in the registration statement pursuant to which such shares are registered with the SEC. There are no other restrictions in the SEPA on future financing transactions, provided such use of proceeds also does not violate the laws and regulations set forth by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.

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Reasons for Seeking Stockholder Approval

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Our common stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market and, as such, we are subject to Nasdaq Marketplace Rules (the “Nasdaq Rules”). Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to the sale, issuance or potential issuance of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock) in connection with a transaction other than a public offering at a price less than the “Minimum Price” which either alone

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or together with sales by officers, directors or substantial stockholders of the company equals 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance. For Nasdaq purposes, “Minimum Price” means a price that is the lower of: (i) the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement; or (ii) the average Nasdaq Official Closing Price of the common stock (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement. Stockholder approval of this proposal will constitute stockholder approval for purposes of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d). Our Board has determined that the SEPA and our ability to issue the SEPA Shares thereunder in excess of the Exchange Cap is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders because the ability to sell the SEPA Shares to Yorkville provides us with a reliable source of capital for working capital and general corporate purposes.

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We cannot predict the Market Price (as defined above) of our common stock at any future date, and therefore cannot predict the number of SEPA Shares to be issued under the SEPA or whether the Market Price for any Advance will be greater than the Minimum Price (as defined above) under the Nasdaq Rules. Under certain circumstances, it is possible that we may need to issue shares of common stock to Yorkville at a price that is less than the Minimum Price in excess of the Exchange Cap, which would require stockholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d).

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Therefore, we are seeking stockholder approval under this Proposal No. 2 to issue shares of common stock in excess of the Exchange Cap, if necessary, to Yorkville under the terms of the SEPA. The failure of the Company’s stockholders to approve this Proposal No. 2 will make it impossible for the Company to sell, at less than the Minimum Price, shares of common stock to Yorkville in excess of the Exchange Cap. However, it would be possible to sell shares to Yorkville in excess of the Exchange Cap if the sale of shares covered by any Advance is equal to or greater than the Minimum Price for such Advance.

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Consequences of Non-Approval

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As previously disclosed, as of December 31, 2021, the Company concluded that there was substantial doubt about its ability to continue to operate as a going concern for the 12 months following the issuance of its consolidated financial statements. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to access additional funding from current or new investors. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital, the Company may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue the development or commercialization of its products and/or consider a sale or other strategic transaction. Accordingly, our Board believes that providing the Company the flexibility to issue shares of common stock in excess of the Exchange Cap is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

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Effect on Current Stockholders

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The issuance of shares of common stock under the SEPA, including any shares that may be issued in excess of the Exchange Cap (including any such shares issued below the Minimum Price that are the subject of this Proposal No. 2), would result in an increase in the number of shares of common stock outstanding, and our stockholders will incur dilution of their percentage ownership. Because the number of SEPA Shares that may be issued to Yorkville pursuant to the SEPA is determined based on the Market Price at the time of issuance, the exact magnitude of the dilutive effect cannot be conclusively determined. However, the dilutive effect may be material to our current stockholders.

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Required Vote of Stockholders

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The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal.  Abstentions and “broker non-votes,” if any, will have no effect on the outcome of this vote.  Proxies solicited by our Board of Directors will be voted for approval of this Proposal 2 unless otherwise specified.

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Board Recommendation

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The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal 2.

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PROPOSAL 3

APPROVAL , IN ACCORDANCE WITH NASDAQ MARKETPLACE RULE 5635(D), THE ISSUANCE OF OUR COMMON STOCK TO THE HOLDER OF THE 25% SENIOR SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE (“THE HOLDER”) IN EXCESS OF THE SHARE CAP OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED 25% SENIOR SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 12, 2022, BY AND BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE HOLDER (INCLUDED IN APPENDIX C TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT) (THE “SHARE CAP PROPOSAL”)

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Background

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As previously disclosed, on December 12, 2022 , Kiromic BioPharma Inc. (the “Company”) amended and restated the 25% Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the “Original Note”) dated October 21, 2022 (the “Amended and Restated Note”), included as Appendix C to this Proxy Statement.  The Original Note was amended to increase the aggregate principal amount to $4,000,000 from $2,000,000. The interest rate of 25% per annum (the “Stated Rate”) remained unchanged. The maturity rate was amended to December 12, 2023 from October 21, 2023 (the “Amended and Restated Maturity Date”), on which the principal balance and accrued but unpaid interest under the Amended and Restated Note shall be due and payable. The Stated Rate will increase to 27% per annum or the highest rate then allowed under applicable law (whichever is lower) upon occurrence of an event of default, including the failure by the Company to make payment of principal or interest due under the Amended and Restated Note on the Amended and Restated Maturity Date, and any commencement by the Company of a case under any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws.

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The Note is convertible into shares (the “Conversion Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), at an initial conversion price of $0.35 per share (the “Conversion Price”), subject to a beneficial ownership limitation equivalent to 9.99% (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”) and a share cap of 3,287,699 shares (the “Share Cap”), representing 19.99% of the total issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock as of October 20, 2022, in the event that the Conversion Price is lower than $0.3268 per share, representing the lower of the closing price immediately preceding the Issuance Date or the average closing price of the Common Stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the Issuance Date.

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The unpaid principal of and interest on the Note constitute unsubordinated obligations of the Company and are senior and preferred in right of payment to all subordinated indebtedness and equity securities of the Company outstanding as of the Issuance Date; provided, however, that the Company may incur or guarantee additional indebtedness after the Issuance Date, whether such indebtedness are senior, pari passu or junior to the obligations under the Note, which are secured by all of the Company’s right, title and interest, in and to, (i) all fixtures (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code, the “UCC”) and equipment (as defined in the UCC), and (ii) all of the Company’s intellectual property as specified in the Note, subject to certain exclusions as described in the Note.

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Pursuant to the Note, the Company is required to file a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to register the Conversion Shares within 30 days after the Conversion Share Delivery Date (as defined in the Note) and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC.

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Accordingly, the Share Cap share count will be assessed when a notice of conversion is delivered to the Company. The Amended and Restated Note provides that (a) the Share Cap will not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved issuances in excess of the Share Cap in accordance with the rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market.

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Reasons for Seeking Stockholder Approval

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Our common stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market and, as such, we are subject to Nasdaq Marketplace Rules (the “Nasdaq Rules”). Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to the sale, issuance or potential issuance of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock) in connection with a transaction other than a public offering at a price less than the “Minimum Price” which either alone

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or together with sales by officers, directors or substantial stockholders of the company equals 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance. For Nasdaq purposes, “Minimum Price” means a price that is the lower of: (i) the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement; or (ii) the average Nasdaq Official Closing Price of the common stock (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement. Stockholder approval of this proposal will constitute stockholder approval for purposes of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d). Our Board has determined that the Amended and Restated Note and our ability to issue the shares of common stock thereunder in excess of the Share Cap is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders because the Amended and Restated Note allowed us to have a reliable source of capital for working capital and general corporate purposes.

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Therefore, we are seeking stockholder approval under this Proposal No. 3 to issue shares of common stock in excess of the Share Cap, if necessary, to the Holder under the terms of the Amended and Restated Note. The failure of the Company’s stockholders to approve this Proposal No. 3 will make it impossible for the Company to consummate certain components of the Amended and Restated Note.

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Effect on Current Stockholders

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The issuance of shares of common stock under the Amended and Restated Note, including any shares that may be issued in excess of the Share Cap would result in an increase in the number of shares of common stock outstanding, and our stockholders will incur dilution of their percentage ownership. Because the number of common shares that may be issued to the Holder pursuant to the Amended and Restated Note is determined based on a conversion price of $0.35 per share at the time of issuance, the exact magnitude of the dilutive effect cannot be conclusively determined at this time. The Amended and Restated Note restricts “Excess Shares” means those Conversion Shares then beneficially owned by the Voting Group on the date of registration, that when aggregated with such other shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Voting Group exceed thirty percent (30%) of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock.  The dilutive effect may be material to our current stockholders.

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Required Vote of Stockholders

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The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal.  Abstentions and “broker non-votes,” if any, will have no effect on the outcome of this vote.  Proxies solicited by our Board of Directors will be voted for approval of this Proposal 3 unless otherwise specified.  

Board Recommendation

The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal 3.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of January 18, 2023 by (i) each person known to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each of our named executive officers, and (iv) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws, where applicable.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Shares of common stock that may be acquired by an individual or group within 60 days of January 18, 2023, pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants, are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table. Percentage of ownership is based on 20,504,701 shares of common stock outstanding on January 18, 2023. In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed to be outstanding all shares of common stock subject to options or other convertible securities held by that person or entity that are currently exercisable or releasable or that will become exercisable or releasable within 60 days of January 18, 2023. We did not deem these shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

Except as indicated in footnotes to this table, we believe that the stockholders named in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown to be beneficially owned by them, based on information provided to us by such stockholders. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each director and executive officer listed is: c/o Kiromic BioPharma, Inc., 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77008.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The following is a description of transactions or series of transactions since January 1, 2021 or any currently proposed transaction, to which we were or are to be a participant and in which the amount involved in the transaction or series of transactions exceeds $120,000, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or persons who we know hold more than five percent of any class of our capital stock, including their immediate family members, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation arrangements with our directors and executive officers.

Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements and offer letter agreements with certain of our executive officers. See “Executive Compensation—Employment Agreements” and “Executive Compensation—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Indemnification Agreements

We have entered, and intend to continue to enter, into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers, in addition to the indemnification provided for in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our Bylaws. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or executive officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our directors or executive officers or as a director or executive officer of any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request. We believe that these charter and bylaw provisions and indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.

Policies and Procedures for Transactions with Related Persons

We have adopted a written Related Person Transactions Policy that sets forth our policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration, and oversight of “related person transactions.” For purposes of our policy only, a “related person transaction” is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) in which we or any of our subsidiaries are participants, in which any “related person” has a material interest.

Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee, consultant, or director are not considered related person transactions under this policy. A related person is any executive officer, director, nominee to become a director, or a holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities (including our common stock), including any of their immediate family members and affiliates, including entities owned or controlled by such persons.

Under the policy, the related person in question or, in the case of transactions with a holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, an executive officer with knowledge of the proposed transaction, must present information regarding the proposed related person transaction to our audit committee (or, where review by our audit committee would be inappropriate, to another independent body of our board of directors) for review. To identify related person transactions in advance, we rely on information supplied by our executive officers, directors, and certain significant stockholders. In considering related person transactions, our audit committee takes into account the relevant available facts and circumstances, which may include, but are not limited to:

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Our audit committee will approve only those transactions that it determines are fair to us and in our best interests.

OTHER MATTERS

Other Business

We have no knowledge of any other matters that may come before the Special Meeting and do not intend to present any other matters. However, if any other matters shall properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the persons soliciting proxies will have the discretion to vote as they see fit unless directed otherwise.

We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form. In addition to the use of the mailings, proxies may also be solicited by our directors, officers or other employees, personally or by telephone, facsimile or email, none of whom will be compensated separately for these solicitation activities.

If you do not plan to attend the Special Meeting, in order that your shares may be represented and in order to assure the required quorum, please sign, date and return your proxy promptly. In the event you are able to attend the Special Meeting, at your request, we will cancel your previously submitted proxy.

Householding

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for Proxy Availability Notice or other Special Meeting materials with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice or other Special Meeting materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially provides extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and receive separate proxy cards.

This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are our stockholders will be “householding” our proxy materials. A Notice or proxy materials will be delivered in one single envelope to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from one or more of the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be householding communications to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate Notice or proxy materials, please notify your broker or call our Secretary at (832) 968-4888, or submit a request in writing to our Secretary, c/o Kiromic BioPharma, Inc., 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77054. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the Notice or proxy materials at their address and would like to request householding of their communications should contact their broker. In addition, we will promptly deliver, upon written or oral request to the address or telephone number above, a separate copy of the Notice or proxy materials to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered.

January 26, 2023

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APPENDIX A

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
to the
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
of
KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC.

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KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify as follows:

FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. The Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary of State”) on May 27, 2015, as amended on December 20, 2018; September 13, 2019; December 16, 2019 and June 8, 2020 ( the “Certificate of Incorporation”). Certificates of Correction were filed on October 15, 2019, October 18, 2019, October 29, 2019 and October 29, 2019.

SECOND: ARTICLE IV, SECTION I of the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation shall be amended by inserting the following language at the end of such section which shall read as follows:

“Reverse Stock Split. Upon the filing (the “Effective Time”) of this Certificate of Amendment pursuant to the Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, each (    ) shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Old Common Stock”) shall automatically without further action on the part of the Corporation or any holder of Old Common Stock, be reclassified, combined, converted and changed into (    ) fully paid and nonassessable shares of common stock, par value of $0.001 per share (the “New Common Stock”), subject to the treatment of fractional share interests as described below (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The conversion of the Old Common Stock into New Common Stock will be deemed to occur at the Effective Time. From and after the Effective Time, certificates representing the Old Common Stock shall represent the number of shares of New Common Stock into which such Old Common Stock shall have been converted pursuant to this Certificate of Amendment. Holders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional share interests of New Common Stock upon the effectiveness of the reverse stock split shall be entitled to receive a whole share of New Common Stock in lieu of any fractional share created as a result of such Reverse Stock Split.”

THIRD: The stockholders of the Corporation have duly approved the foregoing amendment in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be duly adopted and executed in its corporate name and on its behalf by its duly authorized officer as of the          day of                , 2023.

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APPENDIX B

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of October 13, 2022 is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited partnership (the “Investor”), and KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC., a company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, the parties desire that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Company shall have the right to issue and sell to the Investor, from time to time as provided herein, and the Investor shall purchase from the Company, up to $5 million of the Company’s shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Shares”), plus, at the Company’s election, an additional $3 million of Common Shares, for an aggregate of $8 million of Common Shares; and

WHEREAS, the Common Shares are listed for trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “KRBP;” and

WHEREAS, the offer and sale of the Common Shares issuable hereunder will be made in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Securities Act”), or upon such other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act as may be available with respect to any or all of the transactions to be made hereunder.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Certain Definitions

“Additional Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(d)(ii).

“Adjusted Advance Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(d)(i).

“Advance” shall mean any issuance and sale of Advance Shares from the Company to the Investor pursuant to Article I hereof.

“Advance Date” shall mean the 1^st Trading Day after expiration of the applicable Pricing Period for each Advance.

“Advance Notice” shall mean a written notice in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto to the Investor executed by an officer of the Company and setting forth the amount of an Advance the Company desires to issue and sell to the Investor.

“Advance Notice Date” shall mean each date the Company is deemed to have delivered (in accordance with Section 1.01(b) of this Agreement) an Advance Notice to the Investor, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

“Advance Shares” shall mean the Common Shares that the Company shall issue and sell to the Investor.

“Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.07.

“Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

“Applicable Laws” shall mean all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders, executive orders, directives, policies, guidelines and codes having the force of law, whether local, national, or international, as amended from time to time, including without limitation (i) all applicable laws that relate to money laundering, terrorist financing, financial record keeping and reporting, (ii) all applicable laws that relate to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, books and records and internal controls, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, and (iii) any Sanctions laws.

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“Black Out Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.01(e).

“Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

“Commitment Amount” shall mean $5,000,000 of Common Shares, subject to increase by the Commitment Increase at the Company’s election pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, provided that, the Company shall not affect any sales under this Agreement and the Investor shall not have the obligation to purchase Common Shares under this Agreement to the extent (but only to the extent) that after giving effect to such purchase and sale the aggregate number of Common Shares issued under this Agreement would exceed 19.99% of the outstanding Common Shares as of the date of this Agreement (the “Exchange Cap”) provided further that, the Exchange Cap will not apply if (a) the Company’s stockholders have approved issuances in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules of the Principal Market or (b) the average price of all applicable sales of Common Shares hereunder (including any Commitment Shares in the number of shares sold for these purposes and sales covered by an Advance Notice that has been delivered prior to the determination of whether this clause (b) applies) equals or exceeds $0.3111 per share (which represents the lower of (i) the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately preceding the date of this Agreement; or (ii) the average Nasdaq Official Closing Price for the five Trading Days immediately preceding the date of this Agreement).

“Commitment Increase” shall mean $3,000,000 of Common Shares.

“Commitment Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.04

“Commitment Period” shall mean the period commencing on the date hereof and expiring upon the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.01.

“Common Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

“Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

“Company Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.02.

“Condition Satisfaction Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

“Daily Traded Amount” shall mean the product obtained by multiplying the daily trading volume of the Company’s Common Shares on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P., by the VWAP for such Trading Day.

“Environmental Laws” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13.

“Exchange Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Exchange Cap” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.

“Excluded Day” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(d)(i).

“Hazardous Materials” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13.

“Indemnified Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.01.

“Investor” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

“Investor Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.01.

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“Market Price” shall mean the lowest of the daily VWAPs of the Common Shares during the relevant Pricing Period, other than the daily VWAP on any Excluded Days.

“Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any event, occurrence or condition that has had or would reasonably be expected to have (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under this Agreement.

“Material Outside Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.

“Maximum Advance Amount” in respect of each Advance Notice means the greater of: (i) an amount equal to 100% of the average of the Daily Traded Amount during each of the 5 Trading Days immediately preceding an Advance Notice, or (ii) $1,000,000.  

“Minimum Acceptable Price” or “MAP” shall mean the minimum price notified by the Company to the Investor in each Advance Notice, if applicable.

“OFAC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.30.

“Ownership Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(c)(i).

“Person” shall mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, a trust or other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

“Plan of Distribution” shall mean the section of a Registration Statement disclosing the plan of distribution of the Shares.  

“Pricing Period” shall mean the three (3) consecutive Trading Days commencing on the Advance Notice Date.

“Principal Market” shall mean the Nasdaq Stock Market; provided however, that in the event the Company’s Common Shares are ever listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE American, then the “Principal Market” shall mean such other market or exchange on which the Company’s Common Shares are then listed or traded to the extent such other market or exchange is the principal trading  market or exchange for the Common Shares.

“Prospectus” shall mean any prospectus (including, without limitation, all amendments and supplements thereto) used by the Company in connection with a Registration Statement.  

“Prospectus Supplement” shall mean any prospectus supplement to a Prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, any prospectus supplement to be filed in accordance with Section 5.01 hereof.

“Purchase Price” shall mean the price per Advance Share obtained by multiplying the Market Price by 95%.

“Registrable Securities” shall mean (i) the Shares issuable pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) any securities issued or issuable with respect to any of the foregoing by way of exchange, stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization or otherwise.

“Registration Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(c)(ii).  

“Registration Statement” shall mean a registration statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3 or on such other form promulgated by the SEC for which the Company then qualifies and which counsel for the Company shall deem appropriate,

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and which form shall be available for the registration of the resale by the Investor of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, which registration statement provides for the resale from time to time of the Shares as provided herein.

“Regulation D” shall mean the provisions of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.  

“Sanctions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.30.    

“Sanctioned Countries” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.30.

“SEC” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“SEC Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.

“Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

“Settlement Document” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(a).

“Shares” shall mean the Commitment Shares and the Common Shares to be issued from time to time hereunder pursuant to an Advance.

“Subsidiaries” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

“Trading Day” shall mean any day during which the Principal Market shall be open for business.

“Transaction Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02.

“VWAP” shall mean for any Trading Day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

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such Excluded Day, if any, and the price paid per share for each Additional Share shall be equal to the MAP in effect with respect to such Advance Notice (without any further discount), provided that this increase shall not cause the total Advance to exceed the amount set forth in the original Advance Notice or any limitations set forth in Section 2.01(c).  

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The Investor represents and warrants to the Company, as of the date hereof, as of each Advance Notice Date and each Advance Date that:

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Except as set forth in the SEC Documents and the disclosure schedules attached hereto, the Company represents and warrants to the Investor that, as of the date hereof, each Advance Notice Date and each Advance Date (other than representations and warranties which address matters only as of a certain date, which shall be true and correct as written as of such certain date):

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The Common Shares are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is currently listed on a Principal Market under the trading symbol “KRBP.” The Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Shares under the Exchange Act, delisting the Common Shares from the Principal Market, nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission or the Principal Market is contemplating terminating such registration or listing. To the Company’s knowledge, it is in compliance with all applicable listing requirements of the Principal Market.

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to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except those being contested in good faith and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. The Company has not received written notification of any unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries know of no basis for any such claim where failure to pay would cause a Material Adverse Effect.

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The Investor and the Company represent to the other the following with respect to itself:

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The Company covenants with the Investor, and the Investor covenants with the Company, as follows, which covenants of one party are for the benefit of the other party, during the Commitment Period:

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Notwithstanding anything contained herein, this Agreement  and  the  rights  awarded  to  the  Investor  hereunder  are  non-exclusive,  and the Company may, at any time throughout the term of this Agreement and thereafter, issue and allot, or undertake to issue and allot, any shares and/or securities and/or convertible notes, bonds, debentures, options to acquire shares or other securities and/or other facilities which may be converted into or replaced by Common Shares or other securities of the Company, and to extend, renew and/or recycle any bonds and/or debentures, and/or grant any rights with respect to its existing and/or future share capital.

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to the principles of conflict of laws. The parties further agree that any action between them shall be heard in New York County, New York, and expressly consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the Supreme Court of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, sitting in New York, New York, for the adjudication of any civil action asserted pursuant to this Agreement.

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Other than with respect to Advance Notices, which must be in writing and will be deemed delivered on the day set forth in Section 2.01(b), any notices, consents, waivers, or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered  (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (ii) upon receipt, when sent by e-mail if sent on a Trading Day, or, if not sent on a Trading Day, on the immediately following Trading Day; (iii) 5 days after being sent by U.S. certified mail, return receipt requested, (iv) 1 day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, in each case properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses for such communications (except for Advance Notices which shall be delivered in accordance with Exhibit A hereof) shall be:

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Telephone: 832-968-4888
Email:

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With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:

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Hogan Lovells US LLP
609 Main St Suite 4200
Houston, TX 77002
Attention:Andrew L. Strong, Esq.

William I. Intner, Esq.
Telephone:(713) 632-1456
Email:andrew.strong@hoganlovells.com

william.intner@hoganlovells.com

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1012 Springfield Avenue

Mountainside, NJ 07092

Portfolio Manager

Email:mangelo@yorkvilleadvisors.com

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With a Copy (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:

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David Fine, Esq.

1012 Springfield Avenue

Mountainside, NJ 07092

Email:legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

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or at such other address and/or e-mail and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party three Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (i) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (ii) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, recipient email address or (iii) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Standby Equity Purchase Agreement to be executed by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first set forth above.

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EXHIBIT A
ADVANCE NOTICE

KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC.

Dated: ______________Advance Notice Number: ____

The undersigned, _______________________, hereby certifies, with respect to the sale of Common Shares of KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC. (the “Company”) issuable in connection with this Advance Notice, delivered pursuant to that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of October ____, 2022 (the “Agreement”), as follows (with capitalized terms used herein without definition having the same meanings as given to them in the Agreement):

1.The undersigned is the duly elected ______________ of the Company.

2.There are no fundamental changes to the information set forth in the Registration Statement which would require the Company to file a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement.

3. The Company has performed in all material respects all covenants and agreements to be performed by the Company contained in this Agreement on or prior to the Advance Notice Date. All conditions to the delivery of this Advance Notice are satisfied as of the date hereof.

4.The amount of the Advance the Company is requesting is $_____________________.

5.The Minimum Acceptable Price with respect to this Advance Notice is _________ (if left blank then no Minimum Acceptable Price will be applicable to this Advance).

6.The number of Common Shares of the Company outstanding as of the date hereof is ___________.

The undersigned has executed this Advance Notice as of the date first set forth above.

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EXHIBIT B

FORM OF SETTLEMENT DOCUMENT

VIA EMAIL

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KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC.

Attn:

Email:

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Please issue the number of Advance Shares due to the Investor to the account of the Investor as follows:

Investor’s DTC participant #:

ACCOUNT NAME:

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

ADDRESS:

CITY:

COUNTRY:

Contact person:

Number and/or email:

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Agreed and approved By KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC.:

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APPENDIX C

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THIS NOTE AND THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF OR UPON THE CONVERSION OF ACCRUED INTEREST AS FURTHER DESCRIBED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT AND SUCH STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC.

25% SENIOR SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

$4,000,000Dated: December 12, 2022

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED 25% SENIOR SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY

NOTE (this “Note”), is made as of December 12, 2022, by and between Kiromic BioPharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the initial registered holder hereof, or its permitted assigns (the “Holder”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, on October 21, 2022 (the “Original Issuance Date”), the Company issued to the initial registered holder hereof (the “Original Holder”) a 25% Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note in the principal amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000) (the “Original Note”);

WHEREAS, the Original Holder assigned the Original Note in whole to the Holder, including all the right, title and interest thereunder; and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Holder intend to increase the principal amount of the Original Note of two million dollars ($2,000,000) (the “Original Principal”) by an additional two million dollars ($2,000,000) (the “Additional Principal”) to four million dollars ($4,000,000).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the agreements hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby covenant and agree as follows, effective as of the date first above written:

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Kiromic BioPharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation, promises to pay to the order of the Holder, the initial registered holder hereof, or its permitted assigns, upon the terms set forth below, the principal sum of FOUR MILLION DOLLARS ($4,000,000), plus interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof at the rate of twenty-five percent (25%) per annum (the “Stated Rate”).

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The term “Note” and all references thereto, as used throughout this instrument, shall mean this 25% Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note as originally executed, or if later amended or supplemented, then as so amended or supplemented.

The aggregate purchase price for the Original Note pursuant to the terms thereof was two million dollars ($2,000,000). The Holder paid $1.00 for each $1.00 of the Original Principal. Upon the execution and delivery of the Original Note by the Holder to the Company, the Original Principal under the Original Note was made in United States Dollars in immediately available funds by wire transfer of funds to the Company’s account, instructions for which were set forth on Exhibit A to the Original Note.

The aggregate purchase price for the Additional Principal evidenced by this Note pursuant to the terms hereof shall be two million dollars ($2,000,000). The Holder shall pay $1.00 for each $1.00 of Additional Principal. Upon execution and delivery of this Note by the Holder to the Company, the Additional Principal under this Note shall be made in United States Dollars in immediately available funds by wire transfer of funds to the Company’s account, instructions for which are set forth on Exhibit A.

DEFINITIONS

In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Note, the following terms have the meanings indicated in this section of definitions:

“Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

“Bid Price” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies:

(a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the bid price of the Common Stock for the time in question (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported on the Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Holders of a majority in interest of the Notes then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

“Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in The City of New York generally are open for use by customers on such day.

“Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Collateral” shall mean all of the Company’s right, title and interest, in and to, (i) all fixtures (as defined in the UCC) and equipment (as defined in the UCC), (ii) all Intellectual Property, and (iii) all proceeds of the foregoing.

“Common Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.

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“Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Intellectual Property” means (a) all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and all patents, patent applications, and patent disclosures, together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof, (b) all trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names, and corporate names, together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, and combinations thereof and including all goodwill associated therewith, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (c) all copyrightable works, all copyrights, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (d) all mask works and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (e) all trade secrets and confidential business information (including ideas, research and development, know- how, formulas, compositions, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, technical data, designs, drawings, specifications, customer and supplier lists, pricing and cost information, and business and marketing plans and proposals), (f) all computer software (including data and related documentation),

(g) all other proprietary rights, and (h) all copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium), including, but not limited to, all the intellectually property described under “BUSINESS – Our Intellectual Property” in the registration statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 13, 2022 and other intellectual property of the Company that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings thereafter.

“Minimum Price” means $0.3268 per share.

“Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

“Requisite Stockholder Approval” means the approval by the holders of Common Stock of the Company for the issuance of shares of Common Stock in excess of the Share Cap in accordance with the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Share Cap” means a number of shares (subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, combination or other proportionate adjustment) of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) 0.1999 and (ii) 16,446,718, and less that number of shares beneficially owned by the Holder as of the issuance date of this Note, where beneficial ownership is calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the applicable regulations of the Commission. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder shall not include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note.

“Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Company and shall, where applicable, also include any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company formed or acquired after the date hereof.

“Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Stock is traded on a Trading Market.

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“Trading Market” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

“Transfer Agent” means VStock Transfer, LLC, the current transfer agent of the Company, with a mailing address of 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598, and any successor transfer agent of the Company.

“VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies:

(a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported on the Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the holders of a majority in interest of the Notes then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

(i)the failure by the Company to make payment of principal or interest due under this Note at the Maturity Date; and

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(ii)any commencement by the Company of a case under any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect or any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the Company; or any commencement against the Company of any bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty (60) days; or the adjudication of the Company as insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; or the appointment of any custodian, receiver or the like for the Company or any substantial part of the Company’s property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or any general assignment by the Company for the benefit of its creditors; or any statement in writing by the Company indicating an inability to pay its debts generally as they become due.

Holder need not provide and the Company hereby waives any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, and Holder may immediately and without expiration of any grace period enforce any and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and all other remedies available to it under applicable law. Such declaration may be rescinded and annulled by Holder at any time prior to payment hereunder.

(ii) to enter in any intercreditor agreement or subordination agreement reasonably requested by the Company to evidence such priority of payment and/or liens contemplated by such indebtedness incurred pursuant to the preceding clause (i) (each, an “Intercreditor Agreement”).

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the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, priority or remedies); provided further, that “Collateral” shall not include any Excluded Property and if and when any property shall cease to be Excluded Property, such property shall be deemed at all times from and after the date hereof to constitute Collateral.

As used herein, “Excluded Property” shall mean (i) any permit, lease, license, contract, instrument or other agreement held by the Company, including any property subject thereof, that prohibits or requires the consent of any person other than its Affiliates as a condition to the creation by the Company of a lien thereon, or any permit, lease, license contract or other agreement or property held by the Company to the extent that any requirement of law applicable thereto prohibits the creation of a lien thereon, but only, in each case, to the extent, and for so long as, such prohibition is not terminated or rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC (as defined below) or any other requirement of law and (ii) any United States “intent-to-use” trademark or service mark application filed pursuant to Section 1(b) of the Lanham Act prior to the filing of an “Amendment to Allege Use” or a “Statement of Use” pursuant to Sections 1(c) or 1(d) of the Lanham Act, solely to the extent that, and only for so long as, the grant of such security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of, render void or voidable, or result in the cancellation of, such “intent-to-use” trademark or service mark application under federal law.

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the number of Conversion Shares converted and the date of such conversion. The Company shall deliver any objection to the Notice of Conversion within one (1) Business Day of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the conversion of a portion of the Note, the number of Conversion Shares available for conversion hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

(i)“Conversion Amount” means the entire outstanding and unpaid principal balance of this Note that may be converted hereunder, subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and shall exclude the accrued and unpaid interest with respect to such principal balance and the Default Balance, if any, and as between the Original Principal and the Additional Principal, conversions shall be calculated as if the entire amount of the Original Principal is converted prior to any conversion of the Additional Principal. In addition to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, in the event that the Conversion Price (as defined below) is lower than the Minimum Price, the Conversion Amount shall also be subject to the Share Cap; provided, however, in the event that the Share Cap is applicable, the Company shall use its best efforts to obtain the Requisite Stockholder Approval within seventy (70) days after the Conversion Share Delivery Date (as defined below).

(ii)“Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Share Delivery Date (as defined below) or other date of determination, $0.35, subject to adjustment as provided herein.

(2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Conversion and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Conversion (such date, the "Conversion Share Delivery Date"). Upon delivery of the Notice of Conversion, the Holder shall be deemed for all corporate purposes to have become the holder of record of the Conversion Shares with respect to which this Note has been converted, irrespective of the date of delivery of the Conversion Shares. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Conversion Shares subject to the Notice of Conversion by the Conversion Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of the Conversion Shares subject to such conversion (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Conversion), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the third Trading Day after the Conversion Share Delivery Date) for each Trading Day after such Conversion Share Delivery Date until such Conversion Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such conversion. The Company agrees to maintain a transfer agent that is a participant in the FAST program so long as this Note remains outstanding and convertible. As used herein, "Standard Settlement Period" means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Company's primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the Notice of Conversion.

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(i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon conversion of this Note), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Conversion Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon conversion of this Note shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Conversion Price of this Note shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 4(d)(i) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re- classification.

(ii)Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 4(d)(i) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to all of the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the "Purchase Rights"), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of this Note (without regard to any limitations on conversion hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, that, to the extent that the Holder's right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

(iii)Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as this Note is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a "Distribution"), at any time after the issuance of this Note, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of this Note (without regard to any limitations on conversion hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, that, to the extent that the Holder's right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

(iv)Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Note is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company or any Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or

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substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock or 50% or more of the voting power of the common equity of the Company, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off, merger or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires 50% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or 50% or more of the voting power of the common equity of the Company (each a "Fundamental Transaction"), then, upon any subsequent conversion of this Note, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Conversion Share that would have been issuable upon such conversion immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 4(h) on the conversion of this Note), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the "Alternate Consideration") receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Note is convertible immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 4(h) on the conversion of this Note). For purposes of any such conversion, the determination of the Conversion Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Conversion Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any conversion of this Note following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the "Successor Entity") to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Note in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4(d) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and approved by the Holder (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Note a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Note which is convertible for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon conversion of this Note (without regard to any limitations on the conversion of this Note) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an conversion price which applies the conversion price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such conversion price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Note immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall be added to the term "Company" under this Note (so that from and after the occurrence or consummation of such Fundamental Transaction, each and every provision of this Note and the other Transaction Documents referring to the "Company" shall refer instead to each of the Company and the Successor Entity or Successor Entities, jointly and severally), and the Successor Entity or Successor Entities,

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jointly and severally with the Company, may conversion every right and power of the Company prior thereto and the Successor Entity or Successor Entities shall assume all of the obligations of the Company prior thereto under this Note and the other Transaction Documents with the same effect as if the Company and such Successor Entity or Successor Entities, jointly and severally, had been named as the Company herein.

(v)Calculations. All calculations under this Section 4(d) shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 4(d), the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

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period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

(i)The Company agrees that, no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the Conversion Share Delivery Date (the “Filing Date”), the Company will file with the SEC (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of the Conversion Shares (the “Registration Statement”) and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof (and in any event, no later than seventy (70) calendar days following the Conversion Share Delivery Date) (the “Effectiveness Deadline”); provided that the Effectiveness Deadline shall be extended if the Registration Statement is reviewed by, and comments thereto are provided from, the SEC, or the Company encounters other delays associated with third parties, including delays in receiving any applicable reviews or consents of the Company’s independent public accounting firm. The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide a draft of the Registration Statement to the Holder for review (but not comment other than with respect to the accuracy of the information concerning the Holder included therein) at least two (2) Business Days in advance of filing the Registration Statement; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the Company be required to delay or postpone the filing of such Registration Statement as a result of or in connection with Investor’s review. In no event shall the undersigned be identified as a statutory underwriter in the Registration Statement unless requested by the SEC; provided, that if the SEC requests that the Holder be identified as a statutory underwriter in the Registration Statement, Investor will have the option, in its sole and absolute discretion, to either (i) have the opportunity to withdraw from the Registration Statement upon its prompt written request to the Company, in which case the Company’s obligation to register the Conversion Shares will be deemed satisfied or (ii) be included as such in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the SEC prevents the Company from including any or all of the shares proposed to be registered under the Registration Statement due to limitations on the use of Rule 415 of the Securities Act for the resale of the Conversion Shares, such Registration Statement shall register for resale such number of Conversion Shares which is equal to the maximum number of Conversion Shares as is permitted by the SEC.

(ii)The Company agrees that, except for such times as the Company is permitted hereunder to suspend the use of the prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to remain effective with respect to Investor until the earlier of (i) one (1) year from the issuance of the Conversion Shares, (ii) the date on which all of the Conversion Shares shall have been sold, or (iii) on the first date on which the Holder can sell all of its Conversion Shares under Rule 144 of the Securities Act without limitation as to the manner of sale or the amount of such securities that may be sold. For as long as the Registration Statement shall remain effective pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to file all reports, and provide all customary and reasonable cooperation, necessary to enable the undersigned to resell the Conversion Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement or Rule 144 of the Securities Act, as applicable, qualify the Conversion Shares for listing on the applicable stock exchange on which the Company’s shares of common stock are then listed, and update or amend the Registration Statement as necessary to include the Conversion Shares. For as long as the Holder holds the Conversion Shares, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to file all reports, and provide all customary and reasonable cooperation, necessary to enable the undersigned to resell the Conversion Shares pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act. The Holder agrees to disclose its beneficial ownership, as determined in

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accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, of Conversion Shares to the Company (or its successor) upon request to assist the Company in making the determination described above. The Company’s obligations to include the Conversion Shares in the Registration Statement are contingent upon the Holder furnishing in writing to the Company such information regarding Investor, the securities of the Company held by Investor and the intended method of disposition of the Conversion Shares as shall be reasonably requested by the Company to effect the registration of the Conversion Shares, and the Holder shall execute such documents for such registration as the Company may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations, including providing that the Company shall be entitled to postpone and suspend the effectiveness or use of the Registration Statement during any customary blackout or similar period or as permitted hereunder.

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Stock as reflected in (A) the Company's most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Note, by the Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The "Beneficial Ownership Limitation" shall be 19.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 4(h), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 19.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of this Note held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 4(h) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61^st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 4(h) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Note. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in addition to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, in the event that the Conversion Price is lower than the Minimum Price, the Conversion Amount shall also be subject to the Share Cap.

(b) pursuant to an exemption from registration under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, if available, or (c) pursuant to any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the

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Securities Act, and in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state or any other jurisdiction. The Holder agrees that if any transfer of this Note or any interest herein is proposed to be made, as a condition precedent to any such transfer, it may be required to deliver to the Company an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company.