UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

June 1, 2018

BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

780 East Main Street

Branford, CT  06405

(Address of principal executive offices, including ZIP code)

(203) 643-8060

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o            Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o            Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company   x

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  x

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On June 1, 2018, BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an executive employment agreement with Dr. Vincent O’Neill, M.D. pursuant to which he has agreed to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. O’Neill has served as Chief Medical Officer of the Company since July 2017.  The term of the agreement will continue for a period of 2 years from the effective date and automatically renews for successive one year periods at the end of each term until either party delivers written notice of their intent not to review at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the then effective term. Dr. O’Neill’s base salary will be $400,000 per year. In addition, he will eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 35% of his base salary per year at the discretion of the compensation committee. To the extent Dr. O’Neill becomes subject to Connecticut state taxes because of the performance of his duties, the Company shall gross him up for tax purposes so that he is in the same position as if he were not subject to such taxes.  Dr. O’Neill is entitled to participate in any and all benefit plans, from time to time, in effect for senior management, along with vacation, sick and holiday pay in accordance with the Company’s policies established and in effect from time to time. The agreement may be terminated by us at any time and for any reason (or no reason), and with or without cause, provided if the agreement is terminated without cause, we are required to provide him at least 90 days prior written notice. Dr. O’Neill may terminate the agreement for any reasons (or no reason) upon 90 days prior written notice. If the employment agreement is terminated by the Company other than for cause or if Dr. O’Neill terminates his employment for good reason, which includes a change of control, Dr. O’Neill shall receive (i) a pro-rated bonus for the year in which such termination became effective, and (ii)  continued payment of his base compensation during the 6 month period following termination. If the Company terminates Dr. O’Neill’s employment and a change of control is either consummated (i) within 6 months of the effective date of such termination or (ii) no more than 12 months prior to the effective date of such termination, Dr. O’Neill shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to 6 months of his base compensation. The employment agreement also contains covenants: (i) restricting Dr. O’Neill from engaging in any activity competitive with the Company’s business during the term of the employment agreement and for a period of one year thereafter; (ii) prohibiting Dr. O’Neill from disclosing confidential information regarding the Company; and (iii) soliciting the Company’s suppliers, employees, customers and prospective customers during the term of the employment agreement and for a period of one year thereafter.

The foregoing description of the employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the employment agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

A copy of the press release announcing Dr. O’Neill’s appointment is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)          Exhibits.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

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Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Executive Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of June 1, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Vincent O’Neill, M.D. (the “Executive”) and BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to retain Executive as its Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer;

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to secure the services of Executive upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and Executive wishes to render such services to the Company upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1.             Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement shall have the following meanings:

(a)           “Cause” shall mean any of the following: (i) a material breach or material default (including, without limitation, any material dereliction of duty) by Executive of this Agreement or any agreement between Executive and the Company, or a repeated failure by Executive to follow the direction of the Company; (ii) Executive’s gross negligence, willful misfeasance or breach of fiduciary duty to the Company or its affiliates; (iii) the commission by Executive of an act or omission involving fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or dishonesty in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company or its affiliates or that is otherwise likely to be materially injurious to the business or reputation of the Company or its affiliates; or (iv) Executive’s conviction of, indictment for, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony or other crime involving fraud or moral turpitude.  For purposes of this subsection, no act or failure to act on Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.  Any determination of whether Cause exists shall be made by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion.  Provided, however, that before a termination for Cause pursuant to Section 1(a)(iii) or (iv) is effective, Executive will be given written notice of the particular circumstances constituting the basis for the termination for Cause and thirty (30) calendar days to cure those particular circumstances (the “Executive’s Cure Period”).  Any determination as to whether Executive successfully cured the circumstances at issue shall be made by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion.  Failing such cure, Executive’s termination for Cause pursuant to Section 1(a)(iii) or (iv) shall be effective on the day immediately following the expiration of Executive’s Cure Period.

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(b)           “Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following

events:

(i)            the date on which any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) obtains “beneficial ownership” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) or a pecuniary interest in fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (“Voting Stock”);

(ii)           the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or similar transaction involving the Company, other than a transaction: (1) in which substantially all of the holders of the Voting Stock immediately prior to such transaction hold or receive directly or indirectly fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting stock of the resulting entity or a parent company thereof, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to the transaction; or (2) in which the holders of the Company’s capital stock immediately before such transaction will, immediately after such transaction, hold as a group on a fully diluted basis the ability to elect at least a majority of the authorized directors of the surviving entity (or a parent company); or

(iii)          there is consummated a sale, lease, license or disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries to an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or disposition.

(c)           “Disability” means a physical or mental disability, which prevents Executive from performing Executive’s duties under this Agreement for a period of at least 120 consecutive days in any twelve month period or 150 non consecutive days in any twelve month period.

(d)           “Good Reason” shall mean without Executive’s express written consent any of the following: (i) a significant reduction of Executive’s duties, position or responsibilities relative to Executive’s duties, position or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction, or the removal of Executive from such position, duties or responsibilities; or (ii) any action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company or any successor to the Company of its obligations to Executive under this Agreement, including but not-limited to the commencement of a voluntary  or involuntary bankruptcy proceeding.  Provided, however, that before a termination for Good Reason pursuant to Section 1(d)(i) or (ii) is effective, Executive will provide the Company with written notice of the particular circumstances constituting the basis for his termination with Good Reason and thirty (30) calendar days to cure these particular circumstances (the “Company’s Cure Period”).  Failing such cure, Executive’s termination of employment for Good Reason shall be effective on the day immediately following the expiration of the Company’s Cure Period.

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2.             Duties and Scope of Position. During the Employment Term (as defined below), Executive will serve as Chief Medical Officer of the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, and assuming and discharging such responsibilities as are commensurate with Executive’s position.  During the Employment Term, Executive will provide services in a manner that will faithfully and diligently further the business of the Company and will devote all of Executive’s business time, attention and energy thereto, provided that until September 30, 2018, Executive is permitted to consult for Immunomet Therapeutics outside of his full-time employment with the Company provided such consulting services do not interfere with such Executive’s responsibilities to the Company. Executive’s primary place of work shall be the Company’s principal place of business in Connecticut provided, however the Company acknowledges and agrees that Executive may work at his home office in Austin, Texas or such other location(s) as agreed upon in writing by the Chief Executive Officer.  Executive may not serve as a director on any entity’s board of directors without prior written consent of the Company, which consent may be withheld by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion.  Executive’s primary place of work shall be the Company’s principal place of business in Connecticut but he may also work out of such other location(s) as agreed upon in writing by the Chief Executive Officer.

3.             Employment Term. The term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall commence as of the date above (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue for a period of two (2) years, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The term of Executive’s employment shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods until Executive or the Company delivers to the other party a written notice of their intent not to renew the “Employment Term,” such written notice to be delivered at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then-effective “Employment Term” as that term is defined below. The period commencing as of the Effective Date and ending two (2)  years from the Effective Date or such later date to which the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall have been extended is referred to herein as the “Employment Term”.

4.             Base Compensation. The Company shall pay to Executive a base compensation (the “Base Compensation”) of $400,000 per year (prorated for any partial year), payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and shall be subject to all applicable tax withholdings and deductions. The Company shall review Executive’s performance from time to time for purposes of, among other things, determining the appropriateness of increasing or decreasing his Base Compensation hereunder. For purposes of the Agreement, the term “Base Compensation” as of any point in time shall refer to the Base Compensation as adjusted pursuant to this Section 4.

5.             Target Bonus. The Executive may be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) of up to 35% of Base Compensation.  The actual amount of such Bonus, if any, will be determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion based upon, among other things, the Company’s achievement of performance milestones for each fiscal year (in each case, the “Target Year”).  The performance milestones referenced in this Section 5 for each Target Year shall be mutually agreed upon by Executive and either the Company’s Board of Directors or its compensation committee (the “Board”). Such performance milestones shall be established by the last day of the first month of the Target Year.  If Executive and the Board are unable to mutually agree upon such performance milestones, then the Company shall determine the performance

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milestones in its sole and absolute discretion.  The Bonus, if any, shall be paid by the end of the third month of the fiscal year immediately following the Target Year. Executive must be continuously employed by the Company through the end of the Target Year for which the Bonus is calculated in order to receive such payment. Except in the case of termination by the Company without cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, Executive must be employed by the Company on the Bonus payment date in order to be eligible for any such payment.  For purposes of clarity, upon a termination for Cause or Executive’s termination without Good Reason, Executive will not be eligible to earn and receive any Bonus.

6.             Benefits; Vacation Days. (a) The Company intends to establish an employee healthcare and other benefit plans as soon as commercially practicable after the date of this Agreement.  During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs that the Company decides, in its sole and absolute discretion, to make available to the Company’s senior level executives as a group or to its employees generally, as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

(b) During the Employment Period, Employee shall be entitled to fifteen (15) vacation days per year, as well as holidays, sick days and personal days in accordance with the Company’s policies, as such policies may be amended from time to time.  Any unused vacation, holiday, sick or personal days earned in one calendar year may not be used in any subsequent calendar year.  Upon the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, no cash shall be paid in lieu of accrued but unused vacation, holiday, sick or personal days.

7.                                      Termination.

(a)           Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately for Cause.  Provided, however, that if the Company seeks to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause as defined in Section 1(a)(iii) or (iv), then Executive’s termination shall not be effective until the day immediately following the expiration of the Executive’s Cure Period.  Except as otherwise set forth in Section 9(c) below, the Company must provide Executive with thirty (30) days advance written notice of its decision to terminate Executive’s employment without Cause.

(b)           Termination by Executive. Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason, provided that, such termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until the day immediately following the expiration of the Company’s Cure Period.  Executive must provide the Company with ninety (90) days advance written notice of his decision to terminate his employment without Good Reason.  Following its receipt of Executive’s advance written notice of Executive’s decision to terminate his employment without Good Reason, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, decide to render Executive’s termination without Good Reason effective at any time prior to the expiration of the ninety (90) day notice period set forth in this Section 9(b).

(c)           Termination for Death or Disability. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon his death.  The Company must provide Executive with ten (10) days advance written notice of its decision to terminate Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability.

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8.             Payments upon Termination.

(a)           Termination by the Company for Cause, Death or Disability or by Executive Without Good Reason. In the event that Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated: (i) by the Company for Cause; (ii) as a result of Executive’s death or Disability; (iii) by Executive without Good Reason; or (iv) as a result of either the Company or Executive providing the other with notice of its intent not to renew the Employment Term pursuant to Section 3, then the Company shall pay to Executive (or in the case of death, Executive’s estate) any portion of Executive’s unpaid Base Compensation then due for periods prior to the effective date of Executive’s termination.  In addition, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by Executive in connection with the business of the Company prior to the effective date of termination, provided that Executive (or Executive’s estate) submit proper expense reports to the Company no later than fourteen (14) days after the effective date of Executive’s termination.

(b)           Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive With Good Reason. In the event that Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason, then the Company shall provide Executive with the same payments and benefits set forth in Section 8(a).  Further, provided Executive timely executes a general release of all claims against the Company in a form acceptable to the Company (a “Release”) and the Release becomes effective within 60 days following the date of Executive’s termination, then Executive shall also receive: (i) a pro rata Bonus for the Target Year in which Executive’s termination became effective, payable on the same date that bonuses are payable to other executives of the Company in the year following such Target Year; (ii) continued payment of Executive’s Base Salary during the six (6) month period immediately following Executive’s termination on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates; provided, however, that if the 60 day period for the Release to become effective begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, the first installment of the payments made under (ii) hereof shall not be paid until the second calendar year and shall include all amounts that would have been paid prior to such date if such delay had not applied.

(c)           Termination Prior to a Change of Control. In the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive terminates his employment with Good Reason and a Change of Control is consummated no more than six (6) months following the effective date of Executive’s termination, then, in addition to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 8(b), Executive shall also receive a lump sum payment equal to six (6) months of Executive’s Base Salary. In order to receive the payment set forth in this Section 8(c): (i) the Change of Control must have been Pending on the effective date of Executive’s termination; and (ii) Executive must execute the Release. The payment shall be made on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the later of (x) the Change of Control, and (y) the effective date of the Release; provided, however, that if the 60 day period for the Release to become effective begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, the payment shall not be paid until the second calendar year.

(d)           Termination Subsequent to a Change of Control. In the event that the

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Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive terminates his employment with Good Reason and a Change of Control is consummated no more than twelve (12) months prior to the effective date of Executive’s termination, then, in addition to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 8(b), Executive shall also receive  a lump sum payment equal to six (6) months of Executive’s Base Salary.  In order to receive the payment set forth in this Section 8(d), Executive must execute the Release. The payment shall be made on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the effective date of the Release; provided, however, that if the 60 day period for the Release to become effective begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, the payment shall not be paid until the second calendar year.

(e)           Definition of “Pending.” For purposes of Section 8(c), a Change of  Control transaction shall be deemed to be “Pending” each time any of the following circumstances exist: (A) the Company and a third party have entered into a confidentiality agreement that has been signed by a duly-authorized officer of the Company and that is related to a potential Change of Control transaction; or (B) the Company has received a written expression of interest from a third party, including a binding or non-binding term sheet or letter of intent, related to a potential Change of Control transaction.

9.             Directors & Officers Liability Insurance. The Company further agrees to maintain a directors and officers liability insurance policy covering Executive in an amount and on terms no less favorable to him than the coverage the Company provides other senior executives and directors.

10.          Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs and representatives of Executive and the assigns and successors of the Company, but neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder shall be assignable or otherwise subject to hypothecation by Executive (except by will or by operation of the laws of intestate succession or by Executive notifying the Company that cash payment be made to an affiliated investment partnership in which Executive is a control person) or by Company, except that Company may assign this Agreement to any successor (whether by merger, purchase or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the stock, assets or businesses of Company, and the Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no succession had taken place.

11.         Notices. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered (if to the Company, addressed to its Secretary at the Company’s principal place of business on a non- holiday weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; if to Executive, via personal service to his last known residence) or three business days following the date it is mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid.

12.         Confidential Information. Executive  recognizes  and  acknowledges  that  by  reason of Executive’s employment by and service to the Company before, during and, if applicable, after

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the Employment Term, Executive will have access to certain confidential and proprietary information relating to the Company’s business, which may include, but is not  limited to, trade secrets, trade “know-how,” product development techniques and plans,  formulas, customer lists and addresses, financing services, funding programs, cost and pricing information, marketing and sales techniques, strategy and programs, computer programs and software and financial information (collectively referred to herein as “Confidential Information”). Executive acknowledges that such Confidential Information is a valuable and unique asset of the Company and Executive covenants that he will not, unless expressly authorized in writing by the Company, at any time during the course of Executive’s employment use any Confidential Information or divulge or disclose any Confidential Information to any person, firm or corporation except in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties for and on behalf of the Company and in a manner consistent with the Company’s policies regarding Confidential Information. Executive also covenants that at any time after the termination of such employment, directly or indirectly, he will not use any Confidential Information or divulge or disclose any Confidential Information to any person, firm or corporation, unless such  information is in the public domain through no fault of Executive or except when required to do so by a court of law, by any governmental agency having supervisory authority over the business of the Company or by any administrative or legislative body (including a committee thereof)  with apparent jurisdiction to order Executive to divulge, disclose or make accessible such information. All written Confidential Information (including, without limitation, in any computer or other electronic format) which comes into Executive’s possession during the course of Executive’s employment shall remain the property of the Company. Unless expressly authorized in writing by the Company, Executive shall not remove any written Confidential Information from the Company’s premises, except in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties for and on behalf of the Company and in a manner consistent with the Company’s policies regarding Confidential Information. Upon termination of Executive’s employment, the Executive agrees to immediately return to the Company all written Confidential Information (including, without limitation, in any computer or other electronic format) in Executive’s possession.

13.          Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation.

(a)           Non-Compete. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that during the Employment Term and for a period of one (1) year following the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for such termination, Executive will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, on his own behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, whether or not for compensation, engage in any business activity, or have any interest in any person, firm, corporation or business, through a subsidiary or parent entity or other entity (whether as a shareholder, agent, joint venturer, security holder, trustee, partner, Executive, creditor lending credit or money for the purpose of establishing or operating any such business, partner or otherwise) with any Competing Business in the Covered Area. For the purpose of this Section 13(a), “Competing Business” means any business competing with any products and/or services of the Company or its affiliates generated by an artificial intelligence platform that exist or are in the process of being formed or acquired as of the effective date of Executive’s termination provided, however, that the Executive’s academic research and teaching activities shall in no event be deemed a violation of this provision.  For the purpose of this Section 13(a), “Covered Area” means all geographical areas of the United States and other foreign jurisdictions where the

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Company has offices and/or sells its products directly or indirectly through distributors and/or other sales agents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may own shares of companies whose securities are publicly traded, so long as ownership of such securities do not constitute more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of any such company.

(b)           Non-Solicitation. Executive further agrees that during the Employment Term and for a period of one (1) year following the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for such termination, Executive will not divert any business of the Company and/or its affiliates or any customers or suppliers of the Company and/or the Company’s and/or its affiliates’ business to any other person, entity or competitor, or induce or attempt to induce, directly or indirectly, any person to leave his or her employment with the Company and/or its affiliates; provided, however, that the foregoing provisions shall not apply to a general advertisement or solicitation program that is not specifically targeted at such employees.

(c)           Executive acknowledges and agrees that his obligations provided herein are necessary and reasonable in order to protect the Company and its affiliates and their respective business and the Executive expressly agrees that monetary damages would be inadequate to compensate the Company and/or its affiliates for any breach by the Executive of his covenants and agreements set forth herein. Accordingly, Executive agrees and acknowledges that any such violation or threatened violation of Section 12 or 13 will cause irreparable injury to the Company and that, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, in law, in equity or otherwise, the Company and its affiliates shall be entitled to obtain injunctive relief against the threatened breach or the continuation of any such breach by the Executive of Section 12 or 13 without the necessity of proving actual damages.  If, at the time of enforcement of Sections 12 or 13, a court shall hold that the duration, scope or area restrictions stated therein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope or area and that the court shall be allowed to revise the restrictions contained therein to cover the maximum period, scope and area permitted by law.

14.          Representations of the Executive. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of his duties hereunder will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under any contract, agreement or understanding to which he is a party or is otherwise bound and the Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of his duties hereunder will not violate any non-solicitation, non-competition or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.

15.                               Miscellaneous Provisions.

(a)           Modifications; No Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

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(b)           Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties, oral or written. No modification, termination or attempted waiver shall be valid unless in writing, signed by the party against whom such modification, termination or waiver is sought to be enforced.

(c)           Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the conflicts of law rules, of the State of Connecticut.

(d)           Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

(e)           Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, and may be delivered by facsimile or other electronic means, but all of which shall be deemed originals and taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

(f)            Headings. The headings of the Sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the  meaning thereof.

(g)           Construction of Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the text of the Agreement and any summary, description or other information regarding the Agreement, the text of the Agreement shall control.

(h)           Withholding.  The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts to be paid or benefits provided to Executive hereunder any federal, state, local or foreign withholding, FICA and FUTA contributions. or other taxes. charges or deductions which it is from time to time required to withhold.

(i)            Section 409A.

(i)            The parties agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Section 409A”), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A.  In no event whatsoever will the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on Executive under Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

(ii)           A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless and until such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this

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Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”  If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a ‘‘specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”).  Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 16(i)(ii) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed on the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period to Executive in a lump sum and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

(iii)          With regard to any provision here.in that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits. except as permitted by Section 409A, (x) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (y) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement. or in-kind benefits, to be provided in any other taxable year, provided, that, this clause (y) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Code Section 105(b) solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (z) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.

(iv)          For purposes of Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.  Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

(j)            Tax Payments.  To the extent that the Executive’s permanent residence is outside of Connecticut and to the extent that the Executive becomes subject to Connecticut state taxes because of the performance of his duties, the Company shall gross-up the Executive for tax purposes so that he is in the same position as if he were not subject to such taxes.  Any such gross-up payment shall be paid annually, no later than March 15 of the year following the year to which such payment relates.

[signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF. the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

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Exhibit 99.1

BioXcel Therapeutics Appoints Vincent J. O’Neill M.D., as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

Dr. O’Neill takes on pivotal role as the Company moves its pipeline forward

BRANFORD, Conn., June 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (“BTI”) (Nasdaq:BTAI), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical development company utilizing novel artificial intelligence to identify the next wave of medicines across neuroscience and immuno-oncology, today announced the appointment of Dr. Vincent J. O’Neill as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of BTI. Dr. O’Neill has served as Chief Medical Officer of BTI, on a consulting basis, since July 2017. He will continue to be responsible for the clinical strategy and development of BTI’s pipeline assets.

Dr. Vimal Mehta, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BTI, commented, “We are excited to have Dr. O’Neill on the BTI team at this time when we are executing on our pipeline and moving towards clinical data. During his tenure thus far at BTI, Vince made a number of noteworthy contributions to BTI. He played a particularly important role in the success of our recent initial public offering, initiating our first-in-human clinical trial of BXCL501 and laying the foundation for clinical development of BXCL701. Vince has a wealth of experience in the biopharma landscape, particularly his clinical experience at Genentech. This coupled with his significant expertise in therapeutic development will play a crucial role in implementing and advancing BTI’s pipeline programs through clinical development and commercialization.”

Dr. O’Neill has over 16 years of therapeutic and diagnostic product development experience. He has held senior leadership roles at global pharmaceutical companies such as Genentech, Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. O’Neill served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Mirna Therapeutics, where he was responsible for clinical development and medical affairs. At Genentech and GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”), he oversaw the clinical and biomarker development programs for multiple oncology therapeutic assets. He was instrumental in the expanded approvals of Genentech’s oncology therapeutics, Avastin® and Tarceva®. At GSK, he managed the signal transduction discovery unit and led the first IND application and clinical trial of MEK inhibitor MEKINIST®.

Dr. O’Neill received his medical degree and B.Sc. in molecular pathology from the University of Glasgow. He has authored several peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Dr. O’Neill is also a member of the Royal College of Physicians.

“This role offers me a great opportunity to be a part of a team that is developing drugs that address major unmet medical needs,” said Dr. O’Neill. “BTI is at a transformative time of clinical development and the opportunity to grow our pipeline. I believe that BTI has the potential to be at the forefront of developing innovative therapies in neuroscience and immuno-oncology. I am looking forward to working closely with the entire team to bring novel therapies to the market.”

About BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc.:

BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on drug development that utilizes novel artificial intelligence to identify the next wave of medicines across neuroscience and immuno-oncology. The company’s drug re-innovation approach leverages existing approved drugs and/or clinically validated product candidates together with big data and proprietary machine learning algorithms to identify new therapeutic indices. The company’s two most advanced clinical development programs are BXCL501, a sublingual thin film formulation designed for acute treatment of agitation resulting from neurological and psychiatric disorders, and BXCL701, an immuno-oncology agent designed for treatment of a rare form of prostate cancer and for treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Contact Information:

The Ruth Group

Lee Roth/ Janhavi Mohite

646-536-7012/ 7026

Iroth@theruthgroup.com/ jmohite@theruthgroup.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the advancement and development of BXCL501 and BXCL701, the commencement of clinical trials, the availability of data from clinical trials and other information that is not historical information. When used herein, words such as “anticipate”, “being”, “will”, “plan”, “may”, “continue”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon BioXcel’s current expectations and various assumptions. BioXcel believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. BioXcel may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, market conditions and the factors described under the caption “Risk Factors” in BioXcel’s prospectus dated March 7, 2018, and BioXcel’s other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as BioXcel’s current plans, estimates and beliefs. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. BioXcel cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements. BioXcel does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law.