SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    Form 10-K

(Mark One)

[X]     Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
        Act of 1934 (Fee  Required) For the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1996
        or

[ ]     Transition  report  pursuant to  Section 13 or 15(d) of  the  Securities
        Exchange Act of 1934 (No Fee  Required) For the  transition  period from
        __________ to __________.

Commission File Number  0-16109


                         ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         Delaware                                     94-2875566
         --------                                     ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of         (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 incorporation or organization)

3696 Haven Avenue, Redwood City, California           94063
- -------------------------------------------           -----
 (Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:           (415) 366-2626
                                                              --------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:  None
                                                              ----

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:  

                                                   Common Stock ($.01 par value)
                                                   -----------------------------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (ss.229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will
not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy
or  information  statements  incorporated  by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.                                     [X]

The  aggregate  market  value  of the  voting  stock of the  registrant  held by
nonaffiliates of the registrant as of February 28, 1997, was $149,602,066. (1)

As of February 28, 1997,  18,412,562  shares of registrant's  Common Stock, $.01
par value, were outstanding.

                                        Exhibit Index at Page   35
                                                  Total Pages   35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1       Excludes  5,668,132 shares held by directors,  officers and shareholders
        whose  ownership  exceeds 5% of the  outstanding  shares at February 28,
        1997.  Exclusion of such shares  should not be  construed as  indicating
        that the holders  thereof  possess  the power,  direct or  indirect,  to
        direct the management or policies of the registrant, or that such person
        is controlled by or under common control with the registrant.





                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE



 
    Document
    --------                                                  Form
                                                              10-K
                                                              Part
                                                              ----

      Definitive  Proxy  Statement to be used                  III
      in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.









                                        i






                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


       Item                                                                 Page
       ----                                                                 ----
                                     PART I

    1.   Business ___________________________________________________________ 1

    2.   Properties _________________________________________________________ 9

    3.   Legal Proceedings __________________________________________________ 9

    4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ________________ 9


                                     PART II

    5.   Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related 
         Shareholder Matters _______________________________________________  9

    6.   Selected Financial Data ____________________________________________10

    7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
         and Results of Operations __________________________________________10

    8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ________________________14

    9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
         and Financial Disclosure ___________________________________________29


                                    PART III

   10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant _________________29

   11.   Executive Compensation _____________________________________________29

   12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management _____29

   13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions _____________________29


                                     PART IV

   14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K ___30

         Signatures _________________________________________________________32


                                       ii



PART I

Item 1.   BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION-FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

To  the  extent  that  this  report  discusses  future  financial   projections,
information or  expectations  about our products or markets,  or otherwise makes
statements  about future events,  such  statements are  forward-looking  and are
subject to a number of risks and  uncertainties  that could cause actual results
to differ  materially  from the statements  made.  These include,  among others,
uncertainty  associated  with  timely  approval,  launch and  acceptance  of new
products, the costs associated with new product introductions,  as well as other
factors  described  below  under  the  headings  "APS  Technology",  "Products",
"Manufacturing",   "Marketing",  "Government  Regulation",  "Patents  and  Trade
Secrets" and  "Competition".  In  addition,  such risks and  uncertainties  also
include the matters  discussed  under  Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 below.


THE COMPANY

Advanced  Polymer  Systems,  Inc. and  subsidiaries  ("APS" or the "Company") is
using its  patented  Microsponge(R)  delivery  systems and  related  proprietary
technologies  to enhance  the safety,  effectiveness  and  aesthetic  quality of
topical prescription,  over-the-counter  ("OTC") and personal care products. The
Company is currently  manufacturing and selling  Microsponge  systems for use by
corporate  customers in almost 100 different cosmetic and personal care products
sold worldwide.  APS holds 188 issued U.S. and foreign patents on its technology
and has over 68 other patent applications pending.

The Company, founded in February 1983 as a California corporation under the name
AMCO Polymerics,  Inc.,  changed its name to Advanced  Polymer Systems,  Inc. in
1984 and was reincorporated in Delaware in 1987.

Products  under  development  or  in  the  marketplace   utilize  the  Company's
Microsponge  systems in three primary ways:  1) as reservoirs  releasing  active
ingredients  over an extended  period of time, 2) as  receptacles  for absorbing
undesirable  substances,  such as excess skin oils,  or 3) as closed  containers
holding  ingredients  away from the skin for superficial  action.  The resulting
benefits include extended efficacy, reduced skin irritation,  cosmetic elegance,
formulation flexibility and improved product stability.

In February  1997,  the Company  received  FDA  approval  for the first  ethical
pharmaceutical  product  based on its  patented  Microsponge  technology - Retin
A(R)-Micro(TM)  -  which  has  been  licensed  to  Ortho-McNeil   Pharmaceutical
Corporation, a member of the Johnson & Johnson ("J&J") family of companies. This
product was launched in March 1997. In September  1994, the Company  submitted a
New Drug  Application  (NDA) for a  melanin-Microsponge  sunscreen.  The NDA was
found to be non-approvable  pending additional  information which the Company is
continuing to provide.

APS has established several alliances with multinational  corporations including
J&J and Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer to develop products which  incorporate  Microsponge
systems. In general, these alliances provide for the client companies to pay the
costs  of  product  development,   clinical  testing,  regulatory  approval  and
commercialization.  In return,  the clients receive certain  marketing rights to
the products  developed.  APS typically receives an initial cash infusion in the
form of license fees,  future payments  contingent on the achievement of certain
milestones,  revenues from the manufacture of Microsponge  systems,  and royalty
payments based on third party product sales.  J&J and  Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer also
have made equity  investments  in the Company.  APS and Dow Corning  Corporation
formed a joint venture alliance in 1992 to develop and commercialize Polytrap(R)
and  Microsponge  systems for use in the  manufacture  of cosmetics and personal
care  products.  In the first  quarter of 1996,  APS  acquired all rights to the
Polytrap  technology  from Dow  Corning in exchange  for  200,000  shares of APS
common stock.

Effective  January 1997,  the Company  licensed its consumer  products to Lander
Company  in the  United  States  and  Canada in return  for  guaranteed  minimum
royalties,  revenues  from the sale of  Microsponge  systems  and  research  and
development  funding for new consumer  products.  Lander will be responsible for
all aspects of commercialization  including selling,  marketing,  manufacturing,
distribution and customer service.  Also as part of its long-term strategic plan
to move away from the direct marketing of consumer  products,  the Company plans
to discontinue the marketing of its in-licensed suncare products.

                                       1



To maintain quality control over  manufacturing,  APS has committed  significant
resources to its production processes and polymer systems development  programs.
The Company's manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana, is responsible for
large-scale  production of  Microsponge  systems and related  technologies.  All
products are  manufactured  according to Current  Good  Manufacturing  Practices
guidelines  ("CGMPs")  established  by the FDA. In  addition,  APS has a process
development  pilot plant in its  Louisiana  facility.  APS also has  established
relationships   with  contract   manufacturers,   which  provide   second-source
production   capabilities  to  handle  growing  product  demand.  The  Company's
objective is to utilize these third parties selectively, so that it can maintain
its  flexibility  and direct the bulk of APS'  capital  resources to other areas
such as product and technology development.


APS TECHNOLOGY

The fundamental  appeal of the Company's  Microsponge  technology stems from the
difficulty  experienced  with  conventional  formulations  in  releasing  active
ingredients   over  an  extended  period  of  time.   Cosmetics  and  skin  care
preparations are intended to work only on the outer layers of the skin. Yet, the
typical active  ingredient in  conventional  products is present in a relatively
high concentration  and, when applied to the skin, may be rapidly absorbed.  The
common result is over-medication, followed by a period of under-medication until
the next  application.  Rashes and more  serious side effects can occur when the
active ingredients rapidly penetrate below the skin's surface.  APS' Microsponge
technology  is  designed  to allow a  prolonged  rate of  release  of the active
ingredients,  thereby  offering  potential  reduction in the side effects  while
maintaining the therapeutic efficacy.

Microsponge Systems. The Company's Microsponge systems are based on microscopic,
polymer-based  microspheres  that can bind,  suspend or entrap a wide variety of
substances and then be incorporated  into a formulated  product,  such as a gel,
cream, liquid or powder. A single Microsponge is as tiny as a particle of talcum
powder,  measuring less than one-thousandth of an inch in diameter.  Like a true
sponge, each microsphere consists of a myriad of interconnecting  voids within a
non-collapsible  structure  that can accept a wide  variety of  substances.  The
outer surface is typically  porous,  allowing the controlled  flow of substances
into and out of the sphere. Several primary characteristics,  or parameters,  of
the  Microsponge  system can be defined  during the  production  phase to obtain
spheres  that  are  tailored  to  specific  product   applications  and  vehicle
compatibility.

Polymeric  (R)  Systems.  In  January  1996,  the  Company  signed a  definitive
agreement with Dow Corning Corporation,  one of the world's largest suppliers of
ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products, to acquire full rights
to  Dow  Corning's  Polytrap(R)  technology  and  full  responsibility  for  the
continuing  commercialization of Polytrap systems in exchange for 200,000 shares
of APS common stock.  Polytrap  systems are designed to: 1) absorb skin oils and
eliminate shine, 2) provide a smooth and silky feel to product formulations,  3)
entrap and deliver various  ingredients in personal care products and 4) convert
liquids into powders.

Microsponge  and  Polytrap  systems  are made of  biologically  inert  polymers.
Extensive safety studies have demonstrated that the polymers are non-irritating,
non-mutagenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic and non-biodegradable. As a result, the
human  body  cannot  convert  them into  other  substances  or break  them down.
Furthermore,  although they are microscopic in size, these systems are too large
to pass  through the stratum  corneum  (skin  surface)  when  incorporated  into
topical products.

Colon-specific Systems. A Microsponge system offers the potential to hold active
ingredients in a protected  environment and provide controlled  delivery of oral
medication to the lower  gastrointestinal  (GI) tract, where it will be released
upon exposure to specific  enzymes in the colon.  This  approach if  successful,
should open up entirely new opportunities for APS.

                                       2



Bioerodible  Systems.  The  Company  is also  developing  systems  based  on new
bioerodible  polymers  for the  delivery  of small  and  large  molecule  drugs,
including proteins and peptides, which, if successful, should open up new fields
of opportunity in systemic drug delivery arenas.

PRODUCTS

APS is focusing its efforts primarily on the ethical dermatology,  OTC skin care
and personal care markets in which Microsponge  systems can provide  substantial
advantages.  Certain  additional  applications for the Company's  technology are
also under development, as noted below.

Ethical Dermatology

APS defines "ethical  dermatology" products as prescription and non-prescription
drugs  that are  promoted  primarily  through  the  medical  profession  for the
prevention and treatment of skin problems or diseases. The Company is developing
several  ethical  dermatology  products  which will require  approval of the FDA
before they can be sold in the United States. Although these pharmaceuticals are
likely to take  longer  to reach  the  marketplace  than OTC and  personal  care
products,  due to the regulatory approval process, the Company believes that the
benefits  offered by Microsponge  delivery  systems will allow valuable  product
differentiation in this large and potentially  profitable  market.  Results from
various  human  clinical  studies  reaffirm  that  this  technology  offers  the
potential to reduce the drug side effects, maintain the therapeutic efficacy and
potentially   increase  patient  compliance  with  the  treatment  regimen.  The
following  ethical  dermatology  products  have  been  developed  or  are  under
development by APS:

Tretinoin Acne  Medication.  In February 1997, the Company received FDA approval
for Microsponge-entrapped tretinoin for improved acne treatment. This submission
to the FDA  represented  the  culmination of an intensive  research and clinical
development program involving  approximately 1,150 patients.  Tretinoin has been
marketed in the U.S. by Ortho  Dermatological,  a Johnson & Johnson  subsidiary,
under  the  brand  name  RETIN-A(R)  since  1971.  It has  proven to be a highly
effective  topical acne  medication.  However,  skin irritation  among sensitive
individuals  can limit  patient  compliance  with the  prescribed  therapy.  The
Company believes its patented  approach to drug delivery reduces the potentially
irritating side effects of tretinoin.  Ortho Dermatological began marketing this
product in March 1997.

Melanin-Microsponge  Sunscreen.  Concern about the sun's harmful effects and its
role  in  aging  and  skin  cancer  has  resulted  in  heightened  awareness  of
preventative  measures  in  the  sunscreen  market.  APS  has  developed  a  sun
protectant  designed to provide  the  highest-available  protection  against the
sun's UVA rays as well as protection  from the burning UVB rays. This unique APS
product  candidate   incorporates  the  Company's   melanin-Microsponge   system
containing genetically engineered melanin, a natural pigment found in skin.

The Company filed its NDA in September  1994 for marketing  clearance.  Since it
involves an entirely new ethical pharmaceutical ingredient and application,  the
regulatory review process is lengthier and more complex. The NDA was found to be
non-approvable pending additional information which the Company is continuing to
provide.  There can be no  assurance  that FDA  approval  will be  received.  If
approval  is  received,  the  Company  plans to market  this  product  through a
strategic partner.

5-Fluorouracil.     Another    ethical     dermatology     product    candidate,
Microsponge-entrapped   5-Fluorouracil   (5-FU),   was   the   subject   of   an
Investigational  New Drug  ("IND")  filing in early 1995.  5-FU is an  effective
chemotherapeutic   agent  for  treating  actinic  keratosis,   a  pre-cancerous,
hardened-skin  condition  caused by  excessive  exposure to  sunlight.  However,

                                       3


patient  compliance  with the  treatment  regimen is poor,  due to  significant,
adverse side effects.  Through a joint agreement with  Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer, the
Company  is  developing  a   Microsponge-enhanced   topical   formulation   that
potentially  offers a less irritating  solution for treating actinic  keratosis.
Phase II clinical  studies have been  completed  and Phase III clinical  studies
are scheduled to commence in mid-1997.

Tretinoin Photodamage  Treatment.  Initial product development was undertaken in
1994 to develop a Microsponge  system product for the treatment of  photodamage,
which contributes to the premature aging of skin and has been implicated in skin
cancer.  Should  an IND be  filed  for this  product,  funding  for this  second
tretinoin   treatment   indication  will  be  provided  by  J&J's   Ortho-McNeil
Pharmaceutical subsidiary.

Cosmeceutical Products

Retinol.  Retinol is a highly  pure form of vitamin A which has  demonstrated  a
remarkable ability for maintaining the skin's youthful  appearance.  However, it
has been  available  only on a limited  basis  because it becomes  unstable when
mixed  with  other  ingredients.  APS has been able to  stabilize  retinol  in a
formulation which is cosmetically elegant and which has a low potential for skin
irritation.  The Company has executed  agreements with three companies,  each of
which have  marketing  strength in a  particular  channel of  distribution.  The
channels for which the Company has licensed retinol are direct marketing (Avon),
dermatologists  (Medicis) and salons and spas (Sothys). The Company retains full
rights to alternate  channels of distribution,  including  department stores and
other mass merchandisers.

Personal Care and OTC Products

APS technologies are ideal for skin and personal care products.  They can retain
several times their weight in liquids,  respond to a variety of release stimuli,
and absorb large amounts of excess skin oil, all while retaining an elegant feel
on the skin's  surface.  In fact,  APS  technologies  are currently  employed in
almost 100 products  sold by major  cosmetic and toiletry  companies  worldwide.
Among these  products are skin  cleansers,  conditioners,  oil control  lotions,
moisturizers, deodorants, razors, lipstick, makeup, powders, and eye shadows.

Entrapping cosmetic ingredients in APS' proprietary Microsponge delivery systems
offers several  advantages,  including improved physical and chemical stability,
greater available concentrations,  controlled release of the active ingredients,
reduced skin irritation and sensitization,  and unique tactile qualities.  


Other Product Applications

While not the principal focus of APS development  efforts,  other products could
benefit from the value-added application of the Company's polymer technology. To
date,  the  Company  has  chosen  to  apply  its  technology  to  the  following
non-skin-care field:

Analytical  Standards.  APS initially  developed  microsphere  precursors to the
Microsponge  for use as a testing  standard  for gauging the purity of municipal
drinking water. Marketed by APS nationwide,  these microspheres are suspended in
pure water to form an accurate, stable,  reproducible turbidity standard for the
calibration of turbidimeters used to test water purity.

APS believes its Analytical  Standards  technology has much broader applications
than testing the turbidity of water. The Company has begun to develop  standards
for industrial use for the calibration of spectrophotometers and colorimeters.


                                       4


MANUFACTURING

Polymer  Raw  Material.   Raw   materials   for  the   Company's   polymers  are
petroleum-based  monomers  which are widely  available at low cost. The monomers
have not been subject to unavailability or significant price  fluctuations.  Raw
material costs generally  account for less than a third of the total cost of the
Company's products.

Process Engineering and Development.  The Company employs chemical engineers and
operates  a  pilot-plant  facility  for  developing  production  processes.  The
equipment  used  for  manufacturing  and  process  development  is  commercially
available  in  industrial  sizes and is installed  in the  Company's  production
facility in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Microsponge   Production.   APS  has  committed  significant  resources  to  the
production process and polymer systems development required to commercialize its
products.  The  Company has to date  manufactured  most  Microsponge  systems in
company-owned and operated facilities.

The Company's manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana, is responsible for
large-scale production of Microsponge systems and related technologies. APS also
has  established   relationships  with  contract   manufacturers  which  provide
second-source  production  capabilities.  The Company's  objective is to utilize
these third parties  selectively,  so that it can maintain its  flexibility  and
direct  the bulk of APS'  capital  resources  to other  areas,  such as  product
development and marketing.  All products are manufactured  according to CGMP. In
addition, APS has a process development pilot plant in its Louisiana facility.


MARKETING

A key part of APS' business strategy is to ally the Company with major marketing
partners.  The Company  has  therefore  negotiated  several  agreements  for the
development  of   Microsponge   delivery   systems,   the  supply  of  entrapped
ingredients,  and the marketing of formulated  products.  To create an incentive
for APS to develop  products  as  quickly as  possible,  these  development  and
license  agreements  provide,  in some cases,  for  substantial  payments by the
client  companies  during the period of product  development and test marketing.
Additionally,  some  agreements  provide  for  non-refundable  payments  on  the
achievement  of  certain  key  milestones,  royalties  on  sales  of  formulated
products, and minimum annual payments to maintain exclusivity.  APS has, in some
product areas, retained co-marketing rights.

In general,  APS grants  limited  marketing  exclusivity  in defined  markets to
client  companies,  while  retaining the right to  manufacture  the  Microsponge
delivery systems it develops for these clients.  However,  after  development is
completed  and a  client  commercializes  a  formulated  product  utilizing  the
Company's delivery systems, APS can exert only limited influence

                                        5


over the  manner and  extent of the  client's  marketing  efforts.  APS'  client
companies may cancel their agreements without penalty.

The Company's material agreements and relationships are set forth below:

Johnson  &  Johnson  Inc.  In May  1992,  APS  and  Ortho-McNeil  Pharmaceutical
Corporation  ("Ortho"),  a subsidiary of J&J, entered into a licensing agreement
related to tretinoin-based  products incorporating APS' Microsponge  technology.
As part of the agreement,  in 1992, license fees of $6,000,000 were paid to APS.
In  addition,  Johnson & Johnson  purchased  723,006  shares of newly issued APS
common stock for $8,000,000.  In 1994, J&J purchased 1,000,000 additional shares
of newly issued common stock for $5,000,000.  J&J also received 200,000 warrants
that  expired in 1996.  The number of shares  issuable to J&J was  increased  by
432,101  pursuant to an agreed  upon  formula  tied to the trading  price of APS
stock  prior to January  1996.  The license fee  provides  Ortho with  exclusive
distribution  or license rights for all Ortho tretinoin  products  utilizing the
APS Microsponge  system.  Ortho's  exclusivity  will continue as long as certain
annual minimum  payments are made. In addition,  Ortho will pay license fees and
milestone  payments over time to APS. APS will also receive royalty  payments on
net product sales worldwide.

In February  1997,  APS received FDA approval for the first  product  covered by
this agreement,  Microsponge-entrapped  tretinoin. This product will be marketed
by Ortho  Dermatological  beginning March 1997. APS received a milestone payment
of $3,000,000 from Ortho upon receipt of the approval.

In December 1996, the Company purchased the Take-Off(R) trademark from Johnson &
Johnson  Consumer  Products,  Inc.  for a royalty of 3% on net sales of Take-Off
products with annual  minimums for five years.  Effective  January,  1997,  this
product was licensed to Lander Company.

Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer.  In  March  1992,  APS  and  Rhone-Poulenc  Rorer  ("RPR")
restructured  their 1989 joint  venture  agreement  to give APS more  freedom in
developing  products.  Under the new terms,  APS has regained from RPR worldwide
marketing rights to products in the prescription  dermatology  field,  including
the  melanin-based  sunscreen  product in which RPR had  invested  approximately
$4,000,000   in   development   costs.   APS   also   gained   ownership   of  a
partially-completed  manufacturing facility in Vacaville,  California, which the
Company sold in December 1995. Also under the new terms, RPR invested $2,000,000
in cash in APS and relieved APS of the obligation to repay a $1,500,000 advance.
In return,  RPR received  705,041  shares of APS stock and  maintains a minority
share in the  potential  net  profits of the  melanin-based  sunscreen  product.
Furthermore,  RPR has agreed to continue funding the exploration and development
of  certain  dermatology  applications  of APS'  technology  in which APS shares
marketing   rights.   Product   applications   include  a  5-FU   treatment  for
pre-cancerous actinic keratosis.  In 1995, RPR filed an IND application to begin
human  clinical  testing of 5-FU.  Phase II  clinical  trials for 5-FU have been
completed and Phase III clinical trials are scheduled to commence in mid 1997.

Dow  Corning.   In  July  1991,  APS  and  Dow  Corning   Corporation  formed  a
collaborative  alliance to manufacture  and sell both APS'  Microsponge  and Dow
Corning's Polytrap technologies worldwide in the cosmetics and toiletries field.
Under the agreement,  Dow Corning provided financial assistance in this venture,
as well as worldwide sales and support services; APS contributed its technology,
research and development,  technical  support and  manufacturing  capability for
both the  Microsponge and Polytrap  products.  In the first quarter of 1996, APS
acquired full rights to the Polytrap  technology and full responsibility for the
continuing commercialization in exchange for 200,000 shares of APS common stock.

Lander Company.  In March 1996, the Company formed a  collaboration  with Lander
Company, Inc. to develop and provide premium quality,  store-brand personal care
products based on the Company's patented delivery system technology. Under terms
of the  agreement,  the  Company  received a $3 million  equity  investment  and
license fees and will receive  additional  licensing fees,  royalties on product
sales and research and development  funding for new consumer  products.  APS and
Lander will collaborate on product  formulations and marketing  preparations and
Lander  will  be  responsible  for  sales,  manufacturing  and  distribution  to
retailers.

Effective  January 1997,  APS  established a new strategic  alliance with Lander
under which Lander was granted full  marketing  rights in the United  States and
Canada  to  Microsponge-based  Exact(R)  acne  medications,  Take-Off(R)  facial

                                       6


cleansers,  Everystep(R) Foot Powder, as well as in-licensed  consumer products.
Under  terms of the  agreement,  Lander will be  responsible  for all aspects of
commercialization including selling, marketing, manufacturing,  distribution and
customer service.  APS will receive guaranteed minimum royalties,  revenues from
the sale of  Microsponge  systems and research and  development  funding for new
branded consumer products.

Avon. In August 1996, APS signed a license and supply  agreement with Avon under
which  APS is  providing  Avon  with  a  formulation  incorporating  Microsponge
delivery systems and retinol, an ingredient  developed to improve the appearance
of aging skin. Under terms of the agreement, APS received upfront licensing fees
and will receive manufacturing revenues on supply of product.

Medicis.   In  October  1996,   APS  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Medicis
Pharmaceutical  Corporation for the  commercialization of dermatology  products.
Medicis will  initially be  responsible  for marketing  two newly  developed APS
products in the United States. In return, APS received an upfront licensing fee,
and will  receive an  additional  licensing  fee and a share of  revenues,  with
guaranteed minimums.

Procter & Gamble.  In the first  quarter of 1992,  after having been one of APS'
original  licensees in 1987,  Scott Paper Company began the regional U.S. launch
of Baby Fresh with Ultra Guard baby wipes.  Ultra Guard is Scott's trademark for
an APS  Microsponge  system that contains  dimethicone  to help protect a baby's
skin from diaper rash. In early 1993, Scott achieved  national  distribution for
Baby Fresh  with  Ultra  Guard.  In the first  quarter  of 1996,  Kimberly-Clark
completed its  acquisition of Scott Paper Company.  One of the conditions of the
acquisition  imposed by the Federal  Trade  Commission  was that  Kimberly-Clark
divest the acquired  baby wipe  business.  Procter & Gamble bought the baby wipe
business in 1996 and now markets the product under the Pampers brand name.


GOVERNMENT REGULATION

Ethical Products

In order to clinically  test,  produce and sell  products for human  therapeutic
use,  mandatory  procedures  and safety  evaluations  established by the FDA and
comparable  agencies in foreign  countries  must be followed.  The procedure for
seeking and obtaining the required governmental clearances for a new therapeutic
product includes  pre-clinical  animal testing to determine safety and efficacy,
followed  by  human  clinical  testing,  and can take  many  years  and  require
substantial  expenditures.  In the case of third-party  agreements,  APS expects
that the  corporate  client will fund the testing and the approval  process with
guidance  from  APS.  The  Company  intends  to seek  the  necessary  regulatory
approvals for its proprietary dermatology products as they are being developed.

APS' facilities,  where the Company  manufactures  pharmaceutical raw materials,
are subject to periodic  governmental  inspections.  If violations of applicable
regulations are noted during these inspections,  significant  problems may arise
affecting the continued marketing of any products manufactured by the Company.

The  Company's  plant  in  Lafayette,   Louisiana  operates  according  to  CGMP
prescribed  by  the  FDA.  This  compliance  has  entailed   modifying   certain
manufacturing  equipment,  as well as  implementing  certain  record keeping and
other  practices  and  procedures  which  are  required  of  all  pharmaceutical
manufacturers.  The Company  believes it is in compliance with federal and state
laws  regarding   occupational  safety,   laboratory  practices,   environmental
protection and hazardous substance control.

Personal Care Products

Under current regulations,  the market introduction of non-medicated  cosmetics,
toiletries and skin care products does not require prior formal  registration or
approval by the FDA or regulatory  agencies in foreign countries,  although this
situation  could change in the future.  The cosmetics  industry has  established
self-regulating  procedures  and most  companies  perform their own toxicity and
consumer tests.

                                       7

PATENTS AND TRADE SECRETS

As part of the Company's strategy to protect its current products and to provide
a foundation for future products, APS has filed a number of United States patent
applications on inventions  relating to specific  products,  product groups, and
processing technology. The Company also has filed foreign patent applications on
its polymer technology with the European Union, Japan, Australia,  South Africa,
Canada,  Korea and Taiwan.  The Company received U.S. patent  protection for its
basic  Microsponge  system in 1987 and now has a total of 40 issued U.S. patents
and an additional  148 issued foreign  patents.  The Company has over 68 pending
patent applications worldwide.

Although  the  Company   believes  the  bases  for  these   patents  and  patent
applications are sound,  they are untested,  and there is no assurance that they
will not be successfully  challenged.  There can be no assurance that any patent
already issued will be of commercial value, or that any patent applications will
result in issued patents of commercial  value,  or that APS' technology will not
be held to infringe on patents held by others.

APS relies on unpatented  trade secrets and know-how to protect  certain aspects
of its  production  technologies.  APS'  employees,  consultants,  advisors  and
corporate clients have entered into confidentiality agreements with the Company.
These agreements, however, may not necessarily provide meaningful protection for
the Company's trade secrets or proprietary know-how in the event of unauthorized
use or disclosure.  In addition,  others may obtain access to, or  independently
develop, these trade secrets or know-how.


COMPETITION

Although  Microsponge  and Polytrap  systems,  by virtue of their highly  porous
structure,  are  unique  delivery  systems,  there are many  alternate  delivery
systems  available.   However,   in  the  cosmetic  and  cosmeceutical   fields,
Microsponge  and  Polytrap  systems are  particularly  versatile at allowing the
entrapment  of  active  agents  and  controlled  release  by simple  changes  in
vehicles.

Other delivery  systems based on  microparticulate  materials could compete with
Microsponge and Polytrap systems.  Among these are liposomes,  microcapsules and
microspheres.  Liposomes are small  phospholipid  vesicles capable of entrapping
and releasing active agents.  However,  they are significantly more expensive to
manufacture,  less  versatile and their  stability is a concern.  While they are
primarily  used in  systemic  applications,  they are also used in the  cosmetic
arena.

The  most  closely  related   systems  are   microcapsules   and   microspheres.
Microcapsules  are spherical  particles  containing an active agent in the core,
surrounded  by  a  polymeric  membrane.  Microspheres  are  spherical  particles
containing  the  active  agent  dispersed  in  a  polymeric  matrix.  The  major
distinguishing   feature   between   Microsponge   and   Polytrap   systems  and
microcapsules, or microspheres is that the structure of Microsponge and Polytrap
systems  is  highly  porous,  while  microspheres  or  microcapsules  are  solid
particles with no internal voids.

Thus, while only one type if Microsponge  system can be used to entrap a variety
of  active  agents  and  release  these at  desired  rates by  vehicle  changes,
different active agents and different release profiles can only be achieved with
microcapsules  or  microspheres  by a complete change in polymer and fabrication
methods.


HUMAN RESOURCES

As of February 28, 1997, the Company had 84 full-time employees,  3 of whom hold
PhDs.  There  were 15  employees  engaged in  research  and  development,  34 in
manufacturing and production activities, 8 in quality control, and 27 working in
sales, finance, marketing, human resources and administration.

The Company  considers its relations with employees to be satisfactory.  None of
the Company's employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

                                       8

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

The Company  currently  occupies  23,040 square feet of  laboratory,  office and
warehouse  space in Redwood  City,  California  and 4,800  square feet of office
space in Greenwich,  Connecticut.  Rent expense for these facilities in 1996 was
$254,184 and $109,936, respectively.

The  Company  occupies  a  production   facility  and  warehouse  in  Lafayette,
Louisiana,  with a current annual capacity,  depending upon the application,  to
produce  500,000 to 750,000 pounds of entrapped  materials.  The existing plant,
with contiguous acreage,  has been designed to allow significant  expansion.  In
1995 the Company sold this  facility  and  warehouse  along with  certain  other
assets and subsequently leased them back for a certain fixed monthly rent over a
period of  forty-eight  months.  The  Company  reported  this  transaction  as a
financing transaction.

The  construction  of the  facility in 1986 was  financed  primarily  by 15-year
tax-exempt industrial development bonds. In 1990, the bonds were refinanced. The
maturity date of the bonds occurs in  installments  beginning June 30, 1993, and
ending  December 31, 2000. The bonds bear a fixed interest rate of 10%. In 1995,
the Company extinguished the bond liability through an "insubstance  defeasance"
transaction by placing U.S.  government  securities in an  irrevocable  trust to
fund all future interest and principal payments.

The Company's  existing research and development and  administrative  facilities
are not yet  being  used at full  capacity  and  management  believes  that such
facilities  are adequate and  suitable  for its current and  anticipated  needs.
Additional  manufacturing  capacity could be required as APS expands  commercial
production. It is anticipated that any additional production facilities would be
built on land the Company presently occupies in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.

Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.

PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

Shares of the Company's common stock trade on the Nasdaq National Market,  under
the symbol APOS.  As of February  28, 1997,  there were 595 holders of record of
the Company's common stock.

The Company has never paid cash  dividends and does not  anticipate  paying cash
dividends in the  foreseeable  future.  The  following  table sets forth for the
fiscal periods indicated, the range of high and low closing sales prices for the
Company's common stock on the NASDAQ National Market System.

   1996              High       Low       1995                 High     Low
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   First Quarter     9 1/4      5 1/4     First Quarter        6        4
   Second Quarter   11 1/4      7 7/8     Second Quarter       5 7/8    4 1/16
   Third Quarter     9 5/8      5 7/8     Third Quarter        8 3/8    5 1/8
   Fourth Quarter    8 7/8      6 3/8     Fourth Quarter       7 1/2    4 7/8

                                       9


Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
         (in thousands, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statements of Operations Total revenues $18,665 $16,108 $15,884 $19,932 $15,527 Research and development, net 3,506 4,139 6,334 7,343 3,726 Selling, marketing and advertising 8,455 6,560 5,669 6,237 4,013 General and administrative 2,984 3,082 2,844 2,988 3,468 Loss on purchase commitment, including related inventory 1,400 600 685 950 - Net loss (9,378) (9,359) (9,759) (9,877) (5,545) Loss per common share $ (0.52) $ (0.57) $ (0.65) $ (0.73) $ (0.43) Weighted average common shares outstanding 17,987 16,459 15,018 13,527 12,805 December 31 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance Sheets Working capital $3,800 $4,976 $5,641 $4,555 $14,428 Total assets 18,444 23,082 23,508 24,378 31,115 Long-term debt, excluding current portion 5,579 6,355 979 3,355 3,672 Shareholders' equity 5,010 5,233 11,786 10,501 20,143
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Dollar amounts are rounded to nearest $1,000) To the extent that this report discusses financial projections, information or expectations about our products or markets, or otherwise makes statements about future events, such statements are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These include, among others, uncertainty associated with timely approval, launch and acceptance of new products, establishment of new corporate alliances, progress in research and development programs and other risks listed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The Company's revenues are derived principally from product sales, license fees and royalties. The Company is currently manufacturing and selling Microsponge(R) delivery systems for use by customers in almost 100 different cosmetic and personal care products. Under strategic alliance arrangements entered into with certain multinational corporations, APS generally receives an initial cash infusion, future milestone payments, royalties based on third party product sales and revenues from the supply of Microsponge systems. As of January 1, 1997, the Company licensed its over the counter consumer products to the Lander Company in return for royalties on future product sales. Also as part of its long-term strategic plan to move away from the direct marketing of consumer products, the Company plans to discontinue the marketing of its in-licensed suncare products. Past results are not indicative of future results. The following tables summarize highlights from the statements of operations expressed as a percentage change from the prior year and as a percentage of product revenues. 10
Years Ended December 31, Annual % Change STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS 1996 1995 1994 96/95 95/94 - ----------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- $000 $000 $000 Product revenues $17,490 $15,203 $14,787 15% 3% Licensing revenues 1,175 905 1,097 30% -18% -------- --------- -------- Total revenues 18,665 16,108 15,884 16% 1% Cost of sales 10,772 11,047 10,149 -2% 9% Research and development, net 3,506 4,139 6,334 -15% -35% Selling and marketing 5,405 4,756 4,012 14% 19% Advertising and promotion 3,050 1,805 1,657 69% 9% General and administrative 2,984 3,082 2,844 -3% 8% Loss on purchase commitments, including related inventory 1,400 600 685 133% -12% STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS 1996 1995 1994 - ----------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- Expenses expressed as a percentage of product revenues: Cost of sales 62% 73% 69% Research and development, net 20% 27% 43% Selling and marketing 31% 31% 27% Advertising and promotion 17% 12% 11% General and administrative 17% 20% 19% Loss on purchase commitments, including related inventory 8% 4% 5%
Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 Total revenues for 1996 totalled $18,665,000 compared to $16,108,000 in the prior year, an increase of $2,557,000 or 16%. Product sales amounted to $17,490,000, an increase of $2,287,000 or 15% over the prior year, and licensing revenues amounted to $1,175,000, an increase of $270,000 or 30% over the prior year. Revenues derived from products which incorporate the Microsponge technology totalled $11,682,000, an increase of $559,000 or 5% over the prior year. The increase in product revenues over 1995 was due primarily to increased shipments of Microsponge systems to manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products of $856,000 or 18% and increased sales of consumer products of $1,363,000 or 15%. The Company anticipates an increase in sales of Microsponge systems in 1997 as a result of agreements signed with major corporate customers who are launching new products during the year. These partners include Ortho Dermatological, Avon, Medicis, Lander and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc. These increases will be offset by the absence of sales of consumer products due to the licensing of products to the Lander Company effective January 1, 1997, in return for a royalty stream and the Company's plans to discontinue the marketing of its in-licensed suncare products. The increase in licensing fee revenue during 1996 relates to the receipt of fees received from the Company's new corporate partners as part of the agreements executed in 1996. Gross profit on product revenues for the year increased by $2,562,000 or 62% to $6,718,000 due to increased manufacturing efficiencies resulting from the higher volume and the sales mix of consumer products. Research and development expense decreased by $633,000 or 15% due primarily to a change in estimate. Additionally, there was a continuing reduction in outside services as external costs are being borne principally by corporate partners. Selling and marketing expense increased by $649,000 or 14% to $5,405,000 due mainly to an increased focus on opening new markets for Microsponge systems and increased distribution expense attributable to higher sales volume. Advertising and promotion expense increased by $1,245,000 or 69% due to a consumer products sampling program and expenditures relating to a full year's advertising for the Neet(R) depilatory product line which was licensed from Reckitt and Colman in September, 1995. These costs, together with selling expenses, will decrease significantly in 1997 as a result of the licensing arrangement for the Company's consumer product lines. General and administrative expense decreased by $98,000 or 3% to $2,984,000 due mainly to reduced spending on external services. The loss on purchase commitment relates to a contractual commitment for the purchase of melanin in excess of 11 current estimated requirements. Melanin is the key ingredient in the manufacture of the APS-developed UVA/UVB sun protection cream for which an NDA was filed. This amount includes the final amount due under the contractual commitment. The Company's operating loss decreased by $869,000 or 9% to $8,452,000 as a result of the factors discussed above. Interest income was essentially flat between 1996 and 1995, but interest expense increased by $778,000 to $1,223,000 in 1996 as a result of the debt financing arranged in the second half of 1995. The net loss for the year of $9,378,000 was essentially flat with the loss in the prior year, with the increased gross profit being offset by increases in selling and promotional expense, interest expense and the increased loss on the purchase commitment. Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 Total revenues for 1995 amounted to $16,108,000 compared to $15,884,000 in the prior year, an increase of $224,000 or 1%. This consisted of product sales of $15,203,000, an increase of $416,000 or 3% over the prior year, and licensing revenues of $905,000, a decrease of $192,000 or 18% from the prior year. Revenues from products which incorporate the Microsponge technology totalled $10,458,000, an increase of $3,787,000 or 57% over the prior year. The increase in product revenues over 1994 resulted from increased shipments of Microsponge systems to a variety of personal care and specialty customers, primarily manufacturers of cosmetics and toiletries through the alliance with Dow Corning Corporation. This increase was offset by a slight decrease in sales of consumer products. While sales of the Exact(R) acne line increased by 71% over the prior year and the addition of the line of Neet(R) products under a licensing agreement with Reckitt & Colman also contributed to sales of consumer products, this was offset by an anticipated decrease in sales of in-licensed suncare products which do not incorporate the Company's technology. The decrease in licensing fees was due mainly to the fact that the prior year included $894,000 of revenues recognized under the percentage-of-completion method on now-completed clinical trials, offset by a milestone payment of $1,500,000 paid to the Company by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Corporation upon the filing of the New Drug Application for Microsponge-enhanced tretinoin acne cream in February 1995, of which $750,000 was recognized as revenues. The gross profit on product revenues for the year decreased to 27% from 31% due to a higher percentage of close-out sales of suncare products, partially offset by improved gross profit on the supply of Microsponge systems. Research and development expense decreased significantly from $6,334,000 to $4,139,000, or by 35%, due to the fact that the prior year included significant external expenses associated with clinical trials for NDAs which have now been filed. Selling and marketing expense increased by $744,000 or 19% to $4,756,000 due mainly to the Company's investment in the initiation of its ethical pharmaceutical marketing effort. Advertising and promotion expense increased by $148,000 or 9% to $1,805,000 largely due to a sampling program related to the Company's consumer products, the benefits of which should be realized in 1996, partially offset by reduced spending on print media. General and administrative expense increased by $238,000 or 8% to $3,082,000 due mainly to increased spending on a variety of outside services. The loss on purchase commitment primarily relates to a contractual commitment for the purchase of melanin in excess of current estimated requirements. Melanin is the key ingredient in the manufacture of the APS-developed UVA/UVB sun protection cream for which an NDA was filed in the third quarter of 1994. Interest income decreased by $38,000 or 11% to $318,000 due mainly to lower average cash balances. Interest expense increased by $167,000 or 60% to $446,000 due to the debt financing arranged by the Company in the third quarter. The net loss for the year of $9,359,000 was lower by $400,000 or 4% than the prior year, with reduced research and development expense being offset by increased selling and marketing expense and reduced gross profit. 12 Capital Resources and Liquidity Total assets as of December 31, 1996 were $18,444,000 compared with $23,082,000 at December 31, 1995. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 1996 increased to $5,395,000 from $5,173,000 at December 31, 1995. The Company's primary investment objectives for those assets are the preservation of capital and the maintenance of a high degree of liquidity. In the same period, working capital decreased to $3,800,000 from $4,976,000, primarily due to the discontinuation of the direct marketing of consumer products which resulted in reduced inventory. The Company has financed its operations, including product research and development, from amounts raised in debt and equity financings; the sale of consumer products, Microsponge delivery systems and Analytical Standard products; payments received under licensing agreements; and interest earned on short-term investments. In prior years, cash was expended on Phase III clinical tests of tretinoin entrapped in a Microsponge delivery system for the treatment of acne which have now been completed, and of APS' melanin-Microsponge sun protectant product, together with related research and development costs. Additionally, the Company is contractually obligated to purchase minimum annual quantities of melanin. The final amounts due under the contractual commitment are included in current liabilities. In the first quarter of 1996, the Company formed a collaborative agreement with the Lander Company under which the Company received $2,961,000 in net proceeds from the sale of 356,761 shares of common stock. In addition, the Company will receive license fees, royalties on product sales and research and development funding. In the second quarter of 1996, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of up to $5,000,000 of its common stock and warrants, which can be initiated at the Company's sole discretion. In May 1996, the Company exercised its right to sell common stock and warrants totalling $2,000,000 under this agreement. During 1996, Company operations used approximately $6,117,000 of cash. Approximately $3,506,000 was invested in product research and development and $3,050,000 was invested in advertising and promoting products. In February 1997, upon receipt of approval from the FDA to market Retin-A(R) Micro(TM) (tretinoin gel) microsphere for the treatment of acne, APS received $3,000,000 from J&J as a milestone payment and prepaid royalties. Also in February 1997, the Company received $653,000 from Lander Company, representing payment for a third of the assets held for sale pursuant to the agreement between the two companies. The final two installments are due on March 31 and April 30, 1997. The Company's existing cash and cash equivalents, collections of trade accounts receivable, together with interest income and other revenue producing activities including licensing fees and milestone payments, are expected to be sufficient to meet the Company's cash requirements for the foreseeable future, assuming no changes to existing business plans. 13 Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1996 1995 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $5,394,509 $5,172,809 Accounts receivable less allowance for doubtful accounts of $47,527 and $68,650 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively 1,666,148 2,436,815 Accrued interest receivable 3,963 16,473 Inventory 2,085,073 7,858,584 Prepaid expenses and other 324,065 985,199 Assets held for sale 2,181,004 -- ----------- ----------- Total current assets 11,654,762 16,469,880 Property and equipment, net 4,681,292 5,027,034 Deferred loan costs, net 616,958 832,324 Prepaid license fees, net 165,752 303,638 Goodwill and other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $763,424 and $483,668 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively 1,265,801 345,557 Other long-term assets 59,603 103,809 ----------- -------------- Total Assets $18,444,168 $23,082,242 =========== ============= Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $1,543,143 $3,240,807 Accounts payable, Johnson & Johnson 814,509 4,229,637 Accrued expenses 1,456,512 1,819,541 Accrued melanin purchase commitments 1,800,000 600,000 Current portion - long-term debt 1,490,779 853,987 Deferred revenue 750,000 750,000 ----------- ------------ Total current liabilities 7,854,943 11,493,972 Long-term debt 5,578,849 6,354,969 ----------- ------------ Total Liabilities 13,433,792 17,848,941 ----------- ------------ Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' Equity Preferred stock, authorized 2,500,000 shares; none issued or outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995 -- -- Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 18,359,744 and 16,594,565 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively 183,597 165,946 Common stock to be issued, $.01 par value, 432,101 shares issuable in 1996 -- 4,321 Warrants, issued and outstanding: 1,431,974 at December 31, 1996 and 1,628,611 at December 31, 1995 2,457,692 2,653,076 Additional paid-in capital 73,950,092 64,600,516 Unrealized gain on securities -- 12,348 Accumulated deficit (71,581,005) (62,202,906) ----------- ------------- Total Shareholders' Equity 5,010,376 5,233,301 ----------- ------------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $18,444,168 $23,082,242 =========== ============= See accompanying notes.
14 Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Years Ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994 Revenues: Product revenues $17,489,907 $15,203,196 $14,787,048 Licensing revenues 1,175,000 905,000 1,097,402 ------------- ------------- ------------- Total revenues 18,664,907 16,108,196 15,884,450 Expenses: Cost of sales 10,771,766 11,047,399 10,149,302 Research and development, net 3,506,161 4,139,441 6,334,168 Selling and marketing 5,404,774 4,755,788 4,011,752 Advertising and promotion 3,050,180 1,804,540 1,657,178 General and administrative 2,984,213 3,081,900 2,844,282 Loss on purchase commitment, including related inventory 1,400,000 600,000 685,000 ------------- ------------- ------------ Operating loss (8,452,187) (9,320,872) (9,797,232) Interest expense (1,223,303) (445,501) (278,988) Interest income 322,986 317,948 355,837 Other income (expense), net (25,595) 89,895 (38,593) ------------- ------------- ------------ Net loss $(9,378,099) $(9,358,530) $(9,758,976) ============= ============= ============ Loss per common share $(0.52) $(0.57) $(0.65) ============= ============= ============ Weighted average common shares outstanding 17,987,153 16,459,446 15,017,753 ============= ============= ============ See accompanying notes.
15 Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Common Stock Additional Unrealized Common Stock Warrants Paid-In Holding Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Gain - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance December 31, 1993 13,646,657 $136,467 1,161,500 $ 2,300,000 $ 51,077,341 $-- Options exercised 471,306 4,713 -- -- 1,881,821 -- Agreement with Johnson & Johnson, net of $30,201 in offering costs 1,000,000 10,000 200,000 285,000 4,674,799 -- Private placement, net of $353,183 in offering costs 925,158 9,251 925,158 1,474,500 2,663,066 -- Unrealized holding gain -- -- -- -- -- 113,166 Net loss -- -- -- -- -- -- Distributions -- -- -- -- -- -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1994 Total 2,396,464 23,964 1,125,158 1,759,500 9,219,686 113,166 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance December 31, 1994 16,043,121 $160,431 2,286,658 $ 4,059,500 $ 60,297,027 $ 113,166 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options exercised 236,992 2,370 -- -- 1,078,929 -- Private placement, net of $112,383 in offering costs 310,278 3,103 310,278 485,591 898,923 -- Securities issued in debt financing arrangements 4,174 42 193,175 407,985 29,958 -- Common stock to be issued in connection with the agreement with Johnson & Johnson 432,101 4,321 -- -- (4,321) -- Warrants expired -- -- (1,161,500) (2,300,000) 2,300,000 -- Change in unrealized holding gain -- -- -- -- -- (100,818) Net loss -- -- -- -- -- -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 Total 983,545 9,836 (658,047) (1,406,424) 4,303,489 (100,818) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance December 31, 1995 17,026,666 $170,267 1,628,611 $ 2,653,076 $ 64,600,516 $ 12,348 ====================================================================================== Options exercised 416,219 4,162 -- -- 1,993,017 -- Shares retired (12,836) (128) -- -- (97,747) -- Private Placement, net of $62,149 in offering costs 201,922 2,019 86,538 295,751 1,640,081 -- Common stock to be issued in connection with the agreement with Johnson & Johnson (432,101) (4,321) -- -- 4,321 -- Common stock issued in connection with the agreement with Johnson & Johnson 432,101 4,321 -- -- (4,321) -- Common stock issued in connection with the agreement with Lander Company, net of $39,547 in offering costs 356,761 3,567 -- -- 2,956,976 -- Common stock issued to Dow Corning, net of $4,000 in offering costs 200,000 2,000 -- -- 1,194,000 -- Common stock issued to Biosource 94,000 940 -- -- 599,060 -- Securities issued in debt financing arrangements 10,675 107 4,325 (50,935) 78,353 -- Fair value of stock options issued to non-employees -- -- -- -- 161,299 -- Warrants exercised 66,337 663 (87,500) (155,200) 539,537 -- Warrants expired -- -- (200,000) (285,000) 285,000 -- Change in unrealized holding gain -- -- -- -- -- (12,348) Net loss -- -- -- -- -- -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 Total 1,333,078 13,330 (196,637) (195,384) 9,349,576 (12,348) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance December 31, 1996 18,359,744 $183,597 1,431,974 $ 2,457,692 $ 73,950,092 $-- ====================================================================================== See accompanying notes.
For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Total Accumulated Shareholders' Deficit Equity - ------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance December 31, 1993 $(43,012,400) $ 10,501,408 Options exercised -- 1,886,534 Agreement with Johnson & Johnson, net of $30,201 in offering costs -- 4,969,799 Private placement, net of $353,183 in offering costs -- 4,146,817 Unrealized holding gain -- 113,166 Net loss (9,758,976) (9,758,976) Distributions (73,000) (73,000) ------------ ------------ 1994 Total (9,831,976) 1,284,340 ------------ ------------ Balance December 31, 1994 $(52,844,376) $ 11,785,748 ============ ============ Options exercised -- 1,081,299 Private placement, net of $112,383 in offering costs -- 1,387,617 Securities issued in debt financing arrangements -- 437,985 Common stock to be issued in connection with the agreement with Johnson & Johnson -- -- Warrants expired -- -- Change in unrealized holding gain -- (100,818) Net loss (9,358,530) (9,358,530) ------------ ------------ 1995 Total (9,358,530) (6,552,447) ------------ ------------ Balance December 31, 1995 $(62,202,906) $ 5,233,301 ============ ============ Options exercised -- 1,997,179 Shares retired -- (97,875) Private Placement, net of $62,149 in offering costs -- 1,937,851 Common stock to be issued in connection with the agreement with Johnson & Johnson -- -- Common stock issued in connection with the agreement with Johnson & Johnson -- -- Common stock issued in connection with the agreement with Lander Company, net of $39,547 in offering costs -- 2,960,543 Common stock issued to Dow Corning net of $4,000 in offering costs -- 1,196,000 Common stock issued to Biosource -- 600,000 Securities issued in debt financing arrangements -- 27,525 Fair value of stock options issued to non-employees -- 161,299 Warrants exercised -- 385,000 Warrants expired -- -- Change in unrealized holding gain -- (12,348) Net loss (9,378,099) (9,378,099) ------------ ------------ 1996 Total (9,378,099) (222,925) ------------ ------------ Balance December 31, 1996 $(71,581,005) $ 5,010,376 ============ ============ See accompanying notes. 16 Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Years Ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $(9,378,099) $(9,358,530) $(9,758,976) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,393,805 1,377,614 1,243,906 Provision for loss on purchase commitments, including inventory 1,400,000 600,000 685,000 Change in allowance for doubtful accounts (21,123) 2,086 (69,456) Accretion of pledged long-term marketable securities -- (121,572) (150,498) (Gain) loss on sale of equipment and assets held for sale -- 125,764 (868) Gain on sale of pledged marketable securities -- (234,319) -- Provision for deferred compensation 161,299 -- -- Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 791,790 (1,130,448) 908,738 Accrued interest receivable 12,510 9,570 6,981 Inventory 5,573,511 (856,558) 1,291,126 Prepaid expenses and other 661,134 20,931 (575,003) Assets held for sale (2,181,004) -- -- Deferred loan costs 215,366 (439,824) -- Other long-term assets 129,425 (10,856) 17,895 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1,460,693) 87,394 517,005 Accounts payable, Johnson & Johnson (3,415,128) 659,112 (1,852,753) Deferred revenue -- 750,000 (894,000) ------------------------------------------------ Net cash used in operating activities (6,117,207) (8,519,636) (8,630,903) ------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (719,640) (901,288) (645,899) Proceeds from sale of equipment and assets held for sale -- 797,672 2,290 Purchases of marketable securities (512,513) (4,458,891) (1,448,467) Maturities and sales of marketable securities 500,165 5,935,087 1,216,394 ------------------------------------------------ Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (731,988) 1,372,580 (875,682) ------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment to Dow Corning -- -- (274,208) Repayment of long-term debt (870,598) (258,304) (200,000) Proceeds from long-term debt and warrants 758,795 7,367,259 -- Proceeds from private placements, net of offering costs 1,937,851 1,387,617 4,146,817 Proceeds from stock issued to Lander Company, net of offering costs 2,960,543 -- -- Proceeds from agreement with Johnson & Johnson -- -- 4,969,799 Distributions -- -- (73,000) Proceeds from the exercise of common stock options and warrants, net of common stock retired 2,284,304 1,081,299 1,886,534 ------------------------------------------------ Net cash provided from financing activities 7,070,895 9,577,871 10,455,942 ------------------------------------------------ Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 221,700 2,430,815 949,357 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 5,172,809 2,741,994 1,792,637 ------------------------------------------------ Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year $5,394,509 $5,172,809 $2,741,994 ================================================ Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing transactions: During the first quarter of 1996, the Company acquired all rights to the Polytrap technology from Dow Corning Corporation ("DCC") in exchange for 200,000 shares of common stock valued at $1,200,000. During the first quarter of 1996, the Company paid Biosource for the 1995 purchase commitment totalling $600,000 by issuing 94,000 shares of common stock. The Company offset a deposit of approximately $188,000 and $755,000 for 1996 and 1995, respectively, with a creditor against a loan from the same creditor (Note 8). In September, 1995, the Company offset its note payable to Dow Corning Corporation against its receivable from DCC. This resulted in a decrease in long-term debt, short-term debt and accounts receivable of $478,935, $100,000 and $578,935, respectively. In 1995, the Company extinguished a debt through an insubstance defeasance transaction by placing U.S. government securities in an irrevocable trust to fund all future scheduled payments on the debt. See accompanying notes.
17 ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Note 1 Business Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. ("APS" or the "Company") develops, manufactures and sells patented delivery systems that allow for the controlled release of active ingredients which have benefits in the ethical dermatology, cosmetic and personal care areas. Certain projects are conducted under development and licensing arrangements with large companies, others are part of joint ventures in which APS is a major participant, and a number of projects are exclusive to APS. APS also marketed and distributed a range of consumer products for personal care through its subsidiary, Premier, Inc. ("Premier"). Effective January 1997, APS licensed the consumer products to a third party (Note 6). Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Premier, Advanced Consumer Products, Inc. ("ACP") and APS Analytical Standards. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities: For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Company considers all short-term investments that have original maturities of less than three months to be cash equivalents. Short-term investments consist primarily of certificates of deposit, commercial paper, master notes and repurchase agreements. Investments which have original maturities longer than three months are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has classified its investments in certain debt and equity securities as "available-for-sale". Such investments are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Inventory: Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value, utilizing the average cost method (Note 5). Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, not exceeding twenty years (Note 7). Prepaid License Fees: The fee paid to Biosource Technologies, Inc. ("Biosource") in 1992 is being amortized over a seven-year period consistent with the term of the agreement (Note 3). Amortization of prepaid license fees totalled $137,880, $137,868 and $124,057 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Deferred Loan Costs: Deferred charges relate to costs incurred in obtaining certain loans. These charges are being amortized over the life of the loans using the effective interest method (Note 8). Long-Lived Assets, Including Goodwill and Other Intangibles: In accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of", the Company evaluates whether changes have occurred that would require revision of the remaining estimated lives of recorded long-lived assets, including goodwill, or render those assets not recoverable. If such circumstances arise, recoverability is determined by comparing the undiscounted net cash flows of long-lived assets to their respective carrying values. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on the projected discounted cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. At this time, the Company believes that no significant impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill, has occurred and that no reduction of the estimated useful lives of such assets is warranted. In the first quarter of 1996, APS acquired all patents and rights to the Polytrap technology from Dow Corning Corporation in exchange for 200,000 shares of its common stock. APS recorded intangible assets totalling $1,200,000 relating to this transaction. The intangible assets are being amortized on a straight line basis over a period of approximately 10 years, which is the remaining life of the main patent acquired. In 1992, APS acquired for 157,894 shares of its common stock, the outstanding 25% interest in ACP, APS' over-the-counter consumer products subsidiary. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. Excess of cost over net assets acquired 18 arising from the purchase is being amortized over five years on a straight-line basis. Amortization of intangible assets totalled $279,756, $188,875 and $160,796, in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123: Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," encourages, but does not require companies to record compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans at fair value. The Company has chosen to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for "Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations. Accordingly, except for stock options issued to non-employees, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Company's fixed stock option plans (Note 10). Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to financial statements. Changes in such estimates may affect amounts in future periods. Advertising and Promotion Costs: Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred. Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Earnings (loss) per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The computation assumes that no outstanding stock options and warrants were exercised as they would be anti-dilutive. Licensing Agreements: The Company has several licensing agreements that generally provide for monthly payments, periodic minimum payments and royalties for exclusivity. Revenue is recorded as services are performed. The agreements do not contain any financial obligations with respect to the Company at the expiration or earlier termination of the agreements. Certain agreements also require the remittance of non-refundable license fees. Deferred Revenue: Prepaid royalties paid to APS by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Corporation ("Ortho"), a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Inc. ("J&J"), as part of the retinoid licensing agreement are reported as deferred revenues (Note 13). Concentrations of Credit Risk: Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk, as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 105, consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. As of December 31, 1996, approximately 53% of the recorded trade receivables were concentrated with two customers in the cosmetic and personal care industries. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial conditions. The Company does not generally require collateral. Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform with the presentation in 1996. Note 3 Related Party Transactions APS has entered into agreements with Biosource. One director serves on the Board of Directors of both Biosource and APS. All agreements between APS and Biosource have been, and will continue to be, considered and approved by a vote of the disinterested directors. The agreements provide APS worldwide rights to use and sell Biosource's biologically-synthesized melanin in Microsponge systems for all sun protection, cosmetic, ethical dermatology and over-the-counter skin care purposes. In return, APS is required to make annual minimum purchases of melanin, pay royalties on sales of APS melanin-Microsponge products and was required to prepay $500,000 of royalties. For estimated losses on purchase commitments and related inventory, the Company accrued $1,400,000, $600,000 and $685,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. During 1994, the Company paid Biosource $263,403 for the supply of melanin. All minimum financial commitments under the current agreements have been expensed by APS. In 1996, APS paid Biosource the 1995 minimum purchase commitment by issuing Biosource 94,000 shares of APS common stock. 19 Note 4 Cash Equivalents All investments in debt securities have been classified as cash equivalents in the accompanying balance sheets as they mature in less than three months. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the amortized cost and estimated market value of investments in debt securities are set forth in the tables below: December 31, 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Cost Gains Losses Fair Value - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Available-for-Sale: Corporate debt securities $3,556,052 -- -- $3,556,052 Other debt securities 214,790 -- -- 214,790 ------------------------------------------------- Totals $3,770,842 -- -- $3,770,842 ================================================= December 31, 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Cost Gains Losses Fair Value - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Available-for-Sale: Corporate debt securities $3,273,602 $12,348 -- $3,285,950 Other debt securities 164,425 -- -- 164,425 ------------------------------------------------- Totals $3,438,027 $12,348 -- $3,450,375 ================================================== Note 5 Inventory The major components of inventory are as follows: December 31, December 31, 1996 1995 --------------------------- Raw materials and work-in-process $604,852 $1,006,847 Finished goods 1,480,221 6,851,737 --------------------------- Total inventory $2,085,073 $7,858,584 =========================== Consumer products inventory is classified as Assets Held for Sale in the accompanying December 31, 1996 balance sheet (Note 6). J&J has a security interest in the Company's Sundown(R) and Johnson's Baby Sunblock(R) inventory. Inventory subject to their security interest totalled approximately $4,400,000 at December 31, 1995 (Note 14). Note 6 Assets Held for Sale As part of the Company's long-term strategic plan to move away from the direct marketing of consumer products, APS entered into an agreement with Lander Company under which Lander will commercialize the APS consumer products. Under the terms of the agreement, certain consumer products inventory, manufacturing equipment and prepaid advertising credits were sold to Lander in January 1997 at the December 31, 1996 book value. In addition, APS will receive revenue from royalties on consumer product sales and the supply of Microsponge systems to Lander. Also, the Company plans to discontinue the marketing of the suncare products licensed from J&J; the related inventory, in which J&J has a security interest, amounted to approximately $198,000 at December 31, 1996. For financial reporting purposes, these consumer product assets are classified as Assets Held for Sale in the accompanying balance sheet and consist of the following at December 31, 1996: Inventory $1,703,764 Prepaid Asset 388,021 Property Plant and Equipment 89,219 ------------- $2,181,004 ============= 20 Note 7 Property and Equipment Property and equipment consist of the following: December 31, December 31, 1996 1995 -------------------------------- Building $1,611,039 $1,610,339 Land and improvements 163,519 163,519 Leasehold improvements 571,223 571,223 Furniture and equipment 11,119,307 10,623,203 -------------------------------- Total property and equipment $13,465,088 $12,968,284 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (8,783,796) (7,941,250) -------------------------------- Property and equipment, net $4,681,292 $5,027,034 ================================ Depreciation expense amounted to $976,163, $980,779 and $920,871 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. Certain consumer products manufacturing equipment is classified as Assets Held for Sale in the accompanying December 31, 1996 balance sheet (Note 6). Note 8 Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following: December 31, December 31, 1996 1995 ----------------------------- Bank loan, interest payable monthly, principal due in non-equal installments commencing December 1, 1996 through March 1, 1999, secured by the assets and operating cash flow of a subsidiary of the Company and guaranteed by the Company $2,950,000 $3,000,000 Term loan, subordinated to bank loan, interest payable quarterly, principal due in non-equal installments commencing December 1, 1996 through March 1, 1999, secured by the assets and operating cash flows of a subsidiary of the Company and guaranteed by the Company 1,622,500 1,500,000 Term loan, principal and interest due in equal monthly installments commencing October 1996 through December 1999, secured by certain real and personal property 2,497,128 2,708,956 ----------------------------- Total $7,069,628 $7,208,956 Less current portion 1,490,779 853,987 ----------------------------- Long-term debt $5,578,849 $6,354,969 =============================
Maturities of the long-term debt are as follows: Years ending December 31: Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 $ 1,490,779 1998 2,523,389 1999 3,055,460 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 7,069,628 ================================================================================ In 1995, the Company received an aggregate amount of $8,122,334 from three financing arrangements. The first financing arrangement was a $3,000,000 bank loan with an interest rate equal to two percentage points above the 21 Prime Rate (8.25% as of December 31, 1996). The loan is secured by the assets and operating cash flows of a subsidiary of the Company and guaranteed by the Company. The second financing arrangement was originally a $1,500,000 term loan with a syndicate of lenders and a fixed interest rate of 14%. In January 1996, an incremental $150,000 was received under this financing arrangement. The loan is also secured by the assets and operating cash flows of a subsidiary of the Company and guaranteed by the Company. The security interest of the debt holders is subordinated to the bank loan's security interest. In the third quarter of 1995, the Company consummated a transaction whereby certain real and personal properties were sold to a third party and subsequently leased back for a fixed rental stream over a period of forty-eight months. The Company has the option either to purchase all the properties at the expiration of the term of the lease or extend the term of the lease. The Company reported this transaction as a financing transaction since the requirements for consummation of a sale were not met. A deposit of $188,000 and $755,000 with the lender was offset against the loan balance as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 respectively. In 1996, the Company received a refund of $567,000 of the deposit upon satisfaction of certain conditions identified in the financing agreement. This transaction has been reflected in the table above as a term loan. The terms of certain financing agreements contain, among other provisions, requirements for a subsidiary of the Company to maintain defined levels of earnings, net worth and various financial ratios, including debt to net worth. In conjunction with the debt financing agreements, APS issued a total of 197,500 warrants with an exercise price of $7.00 per share of common stock. All costs incurred in obtaining the financing arrangements have been capitalized as deferred charges, and are being amortized over the life of the loans using the effective interest method. Interest paid in 1996, 1995 and 1994 approximated interest expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In September 1995, the Company extinguished $2,500,000 of Industrial Revenue Bonds through an "insubstance defeasance" transaction by placing approximately $2,500,000 of U.S. government securities in an irrevocable trust to fund all future interest and principal payments. The purchase of the government securities was achieved through the sale of the Company's pledged marketable security. The debt extinguishment did not have a material impact on the Company's earnings. The debt balance outstanding as of December 31, 1996 was $2,500,000. Note 9 Commitments Lease Commitments: Total rental expense for property and equipment was $655,283, $639,807 and $558,086 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company's future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases for facilities as of December 31, 1996, are as follows: Minimum Years Ending December 31, Payments - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 $ 443,442 1998 132,186 1999 100,043 2000 80,869 2001 75,600 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 832,140 =============================================================================== Note 10 Shareholders' Equity Private Placements and Common Stock Warrants: In 1994, the Company raised $9,116,616 net of offering costs through two private placements. In the first private placement, APS issued 1,000,000 shares of newly issued common stock to Johnson & Johnson ("J&J") in consideration for $5,000,000. In addition, J&J received 200,000 warrants exercisable for two years at $12.00 per share. In January 1996, in accordance with the 1994 private placement agreement, APS issued J&J 432,101 shares of common stock as a result of the APS stock price not achieving certain 22 predetermined levels. The 200,000 warrants issued to J&J in conjunction with this private placement expired in 1996 (Note 13). The second private placement was pursuant to an agreement for the sale of up to $8,000,000 of common stock and warrants in six installments beginning in June, 1994 and ending on September 29, 1995. The Company sold $6,000,000 of common stock and warrants through March 30, 1995. The remaining two optional installments in June and September 1995 totalling $2,000,000 of common stock and warrants were not sold by the Company. In accordance with the agreement, the following shares of common stock and warrants were issued: Number of shares Number of Exercise Price Date Issued of Common Stock Issued Warrants Issued of Warrants - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 30, 1994 294,314 294,314 $5.61 September 30, 1994 299,066 299,066 $5.52 December 31, 1994 331,778 331,778 $4.97 March 30, 1995 310,278 310,278 $5.32 The warrants issued are exercisable over a three-year period. The value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes model. In conjunction with certain debt financing agreements made in 1995 (Note 8), APS issued a total of 197,500 warrants with an exercise price of $7.00 per share of common stock. These warrants expire on March 27, 2000. In the first quarter of 1995, 1,161,500 warrants issued in a 1992 private placement expired. In the first quarter of 1996, the Company formed a collaborative agreement with the Lander Company under which the Company received $2,961,000 in net proceeds from the sale of 356,761 shares of common stock. In addition, the Company will receive licensing fees, research and development funding and royalties on product sales in the future. In 1996, APS acquired all patents and rights to the Polytrap technology from Dow Corning in exchange for 200,000 shares of APS common stock (Note 2). During the second quarter of 1996, APS received $1,937,851 net of offering costs, through a private placement and sale of 201,922 shares of common stock and 86,538 warrants exercisable over a three-year period. The warrants are exercisable at the following prices: Number of Shares Exercise Price ---------------- -------------- 28,846 $7.43 28,846 $9.90 28,846 $12.38 The private placement was pursuant to an agreement for the sale of up to $5,000,000 of common stock and warrants, which can be initiated at the Company's sole discretion. Shareholders Rights Plan: On August 19, 1996, the Board of Directors approved a Shareholders Rights Plan under which shareholders of record on September 3, 1996 received a dividend of one Preferred Stock purchase right ("Rights") for each share of common stock outstanding. The Rights are not generally exercisable until 10 business days after a person or group acquires 20% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock or announces a tender offer which could result in a person or group beneficially owning 20% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock (an "Acquisition") of the Company. Each Right, should it become exercisable, will entitle the holder (other than acquirer) to purchase company stock at a discount. The Board of Directors may terminate the Rights plan or, under certain circumstances, redeem the rights. In the event of an Acquisition without the approval of the Board, each Right will entitle the registered holder, other than an acquirer and certain related parties, to buy at the Right's then current exercise price a number of shares of common stock with a market value equal to twice the exercise price. 23 In addition, if at the time when there was a 20% shareholder, the Company were to be acquired by merger, shareholders with unexercised Rights could purchase common stock of the acquirer with a value of twice the exercise price of the Rights. The Board may redeem the Rights for $0.01 per Right at any time prior to Acquisition. Unless earlier redeemed, the Rights will expire on August 19, 2006. Stock Options: The Company has various stock option plans for employees, officers, directors and consultants. The options are granted at fair market value and expire no later than ten years from the date of the grant. The options are exercisable in accordance with vesting schedules that generally provide for them to be fully exercisable four years after the date of grant. The Company has adopted the disclosure only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, ("SFAS No. 123") "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, except for stock options issued to non-employees, no compensation cost has been recognized for the fixed stock option plans. The compensation cost that has been charged against income for the stock options issued to non-employees was $161,000, $0 and $0 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Had compensation cost for the Company's fixed stock option plans been determined consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net loss and loss per common share would have increased to the pro-forma amounts indicated below: 1996 1995 ---- ---- Net loss - as reported $( 9,378,099) $(9,358,530) Net loss - pro-forma $(10,462,871) $(9,815,235) Loss per common share - as reported $ (0.52) $ (0.57) Loss per common share - pro-forma $ (0.58) $ (0.60) The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1996 and 1995: dividend yield of 0; expected volatility of 85%; risk-free interest rate of 6.1 percent; and expected life of four years for all the stock option plans. The amounts disclosed above under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 include compensation costs and fair values for options granted since January 1, 1995 and may not be representative of the effects in future years. The following table summarizes option activity for 1996, 1995 and 1994:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ December 31, 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Exercise Exercise Exercise Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- Outstanding at beginning of year 2,972,324 $5.98 2,677,162 $6.14 2,588,940 $6.21 Granted 502,500 $7.89 636,500 $5.31 723,500 $5.13 Exercised (416,219) $4.80 (236,992) $4.59 (471,306) $4.00 Expired or Cancelled (157,165) $6.25 (104,346) $9.14 (163,972) $9.00 --------- --------- --------- Outstanding at end of year 2,901,440 $6.46 2,972,324 $5.98 2,677,162 $6.14 ========= ========= ========= Options exercisable at year-end 1,945,056 1,877,295 1,529,574 Shares available for future grant at year end 569,984 167,819 709,973 Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year $7.89 $5.31 $5.13
24 The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding at December 31, 1996:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE Weighted Avg. Range of Number Remaining Number Exercise Outstanding Contractual Weighted Avg. Exercisable Weighted Avg. Prices 12/31/96 Life Exercise Price at 12/31/96 Exercise Price - ------ ------- ---- -------------- ----------- -------------- $3.44-$5.25 922,760 6.6 years $ 4.65 613,035 $ 4.39 $5.38-$5.75 727,180 7.1 $ 5.45 581,772 $ 5.46 $6.13-$8.13 729,500 8.1 $ 7.15 308,249 $ 6.97 $9.25-$11.13 522,000 5.9 $ 10.11 442,000 $ 10.08 --------- --------- $3.44-$11.13 2,901,440 7.0 $ 6.46 1,945,056 $ 6.42
Distributions: Distributions presented in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity represent payments to the shareholders of Premier, which was a subchapter S Corporation. Premier's S Corporation election was terminated in conjunction with the merger. Note 11 Defined Contribution Plan The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of its employees. In 1996 and 1995, the Company made matching contributions equal to 50% of each participant's contribution during the plan year up to a maximum amount equal to the lesser of 3% of each participant's annual compensation or $4,750 and $4,500 for the 1996 and 1995 calendar years, respectively. In 1994 the maximum matching contribution made by the Company was equal to the lesser of 1.5% of each participant's salary or $1,000 per calendar year. The Company may also contribute additional discretionary amounts as it may determine. For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company contributed to the plan approximately $110,000, $89,000 and $55,000, respectively. No discretionary contributions have been made to the plan since its inception. Note 12 Income Taxes A reconciliation of the Federal statutory rate of 34% to the Company's effective tax rate is as follows: December 31 1996 1995 1994 ----------------------------------- U.S. Federal statutory rate (benefit) (34.0)% (34.0)% (34.0)% Net losses without tax benefits 33.75 33.5 34.0 State income taxes, net of U.S. Federal income tax effect -- -- -- Nondeductible expenses 0.25 0.5 -- ---------------------------------- Total tax expense -- -- -- ================================== At December 31, 1996, the Company had net Federal operating loss carryforwards of approximately $72,500,000 for income tax reporting purposes and California operating loss carryforwards of approximately $8,400,000. The Federal net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in 1998 through the year 2011. The California net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in 1997 through the year 2001. A California net operating loss carryforward from 1989 in the approximate amount of $2,000,000 expired December 31, 1996. Due to the "change in ownership" provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, approximately $32,000,000 and $5,500,000 of the Company's Federal and California net operating loss carryforwards, respectively, are subject to an annual limitation against taxable income. The balance of the Federal and California loss carryforwards of approximately $40,500,000 and $2,900,000, respectively, which arose subsequent to the Company's change in ownership will be fully available to offset taxable income in excess of the annual limitation until fully utilized or there is another ownership change. 25 The Company also has investment tax credits and research and experimental tax credits aggregating approximately $1,692,000 and $673,000 for Federal and California purposes, respectively. The Federal credit carryforwards expire beginning in 1998 through the year 2011. The California credits carryover indefinitely until utilized. There are also California credit carryforwards for qualified manufacturing and research and development equipment of approximately $11,000; these credits expire beginning in 2005 through the year 2006. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are presented below:
1996 1995 ---- ----- Deferred tax assets: Deferred research expenditures $1,445,000 $1,443,000 Accruals and reserves not currently deductible for tax purposes 1,771,000 1,197,000 Net operating loss carryforwards 25,407,000 22,283,000 Credit carryforwards 2,377,000 2,274,000 Other 406,000 572,000 -------------- -------------- Gross deferred tax assets 31,406,000 27,769,000 Less valuation allowance (31,182,000) (27,426,000) -------------- -------------- Total deferred tax assets $224,000 $343,000 -------------- -------- Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment $(224,000) $(343,000) -------------- -------------- Total deferred tax liabilities (224,000) (343,000) -------------- -------------- Net deferred taxes $ -- $ -- ============== ==============
The net change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was an increase of approximately $3,756,000, $4,534,000 and $3,627,000, respectively. Management believes that sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the realizability of these items and, accordingly, a valuation allowance is required. Gross deferred tax assets as of December 31, 1996 include approximately $2,594,000 relating to the exercise of stock options, for which any related tax benefits will be credited to equity when realized. Note 13 Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Corporation In May 1992, APS entered into development, and licensing and investment agreements with Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Corporation ("Ortho") for the development of retinoid products. The first product is a Microsponge system entrapment of tretinoin (trans-retinoic acid or "t-RA"), a prescription acne drug for which FDA approval was received in February 1997. A second product licensed to Ortho is a Microsponge entrapment of a retinoid to be used for the treatment of photodamaged skin. The terms of the agreements included an $8,000,000 investment in APS for 723,006 newly issued shares of APS common stock and the payment to APS of $6,000,000 in licensing fees by J&J. The licensing fees were recognized as revenues according to the percentage-of-completion method of accounting whereby income was recognized based on the estimated stage of completion of the related project. Cash payments received in advance of being earned were classified as deferred revenue. Revisions of estimated profits were included in earnings by the reallocation method which spread the change in estimate over the current and future periods. As of December 31, 1994, the project had been completed and all associated revenues had been recognized. J&J made a second equity investment in the Company in May 1994. Under this agreement, J&J purchased 1,000,000 shares of newly issued common stock in consideration for $5,000,000. In January 1996, APS issued J&J 432,101 shares of common stock as a result of the APS stock price not achieving certain predetermined levels. The 200,000 warrants issued in 1994 to J&J in conjunction with this equity investment expired in 1996. As of December 31, 1996, J&J owns approximately 12% of the APS common shares outstanding. In February 1995, APS received $750,000 in prepaid royalties and an additional $750,000 as a milestone payment on the submission to the FDA of its New Drug Application for the tretinoin prescription acne treatment. The milestone payment 26 was recognized as revenue upon receipt. The prepaid royalties of $750,000 were recorded as deferred revenues. In February 1997, upon receipt of approval from the FDA to market Retin-A(R) Micro(TM) (tretinoin gel) microsphere for the treatment of acne, APS received $3,000,000 from Ortho of which one half is a milestone payment which will be recognized as revenue in 1997 and half is prepaid royalties which will be recorded as deferred revenues. APS will earn a mark-up on Microsponge systems supplied to Ortho and Ortho will pay APS a royalty on product sales, subject to certain minimums. Should these minimums not be achieved, Ortho would lose its exclusivity and APS would regain marketing rights to the retinoid products. APS has the ability to earn an additional $4,750,000 in fees if certain research milestones are achieved. Note 14 Johnson & Johnson Licensing Agreement: The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Premier, licensed from J&J the exclusive right to manufacture and distribute a product, Take-Off, in the U.S. The agreement provided for Premier to remit royalty payments to J&J based on net sales, with minimum payments of $375,000 per year. In December 1996, the Company purchased the rights to Take-Off from J&J for a 3% royalty on net sales for the five year period ending December 31, 2001. In January 1997, as part of its long-term strategic plan to move away from the marketing of consumer products, the Company sub-licensed the right to manufacture and distribute Take-Off to Lander Company. Distribution Arrangement: Premier obtained the rights to market and distribute two suncare products, Sundown and Johnson's Baby Sunblock, in the U.S. Premier & J&J share the profits or losses on sales of suncare products. Premier performs a reconciliation of the payable to J&J annually to determine the portion that is currently due. The portion of the payable that relates to inventory sold during a contract year is due at the end of that contract year, which begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. As part of the Company's long-term strategic plan to move away from the direct marketing of consumer products, this distribution arrangement with J&J will be terminated in 1997. The remaining inventory on hand as of December 31, 1996 will be sold in 1997. 27 Independent Auditors' Report The Board of Directors and Shareholders Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule as listed in Item 14(a)2. These consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP San Francisco, California March 5, 1997 28 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Not applicable. Part III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant APS incorporates by reference the information set forth under the captions "Nomination and Election of Directors" and "Executive Compensation" of the Company's Proxy Statement (the "Proxy Statement") for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 4, 1997. Item 11. Executive Compensation APS incorporates by reference the information set forth under the caption "Executive Compensation" of the Proxy Statement. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management The Company incorporates by reference the information set forth under the caption "Beneficial Stock Ownership" of the Proxy Statement. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The Company incorporates by reference the information set forth under the caption "Certain Transactions" of the Proxy Statement. 29 Part IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K (a) 1. Financial Statements The financial statements and supplementary data set forth on pages 14-27 of Part II of the 10-K Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference. 2. Financial Statement Schedules Schedule II Valuation Accounts All other schedules have been omitted because the information is not required or is not so material as to require submission of the schedule, or because the information is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto. 3. Exhibits 3-A -Copy of Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation. (1) 3-B -Copy of Registrant's Bylaws. (1) 10-B -Lease Agreement between the Registrant and White Properties Joint Venture for lease of Registrant's executive offices in Redwood City, dated as of August 1, 1992. (3) 10-C -Registrant's 1992 Stock Plan dated August 11, 1992. (2)* 10-N -Agreement with Johnson & Johnson dated April 14, 1992. (3) 10-P -Warrant to Purchase Common Stock. (5) 10-S -Lease Agreement between Registrant and Financing for Science International dated September 1, 1995 (6) 10-T -Security and Loan Agreement between Registrant and Venture Lending dated September 27, 1995 (6) 10-U -Asset Purchase Agreement with Dow Corning Corporation dated January 23, 1996 (7) 10-V -Investment Agreement between Registrant and the Lander Company. (8) 10-W -License, Assignment and Supply Agreement between Registrant and Lander Company. 21 -Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. (4) 23 -Consent of Independent Auditors. 27 -Financial Data Schedules (b) Reports on Form 8-K None. (c) Exhibits The Company hereby files as part of this Form 10-K the exhibits listed in Item 14(a)3. As set forth above. (d) Financial Statement Schedules See Item 14(a)2. of this Form 10-K. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-15429) and incorporated herein by reference. (2) Filed as Exhibit No. 28.1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33- 50640), and incorporated herein by reference. (3) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference. (4) To be filed supplementally. (5) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No.33-82562) and incorporated herein by reference. (6) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1995. (7) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Deccember 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference. (8) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference. * Management Contract or Compensatory plans. 30 For purposes of complying with the amendments to the rules governing Registration Statements on Form S-8 (effective July 13, 1990) under the Securities Act of 1933 ("the Act"), as amended, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference into Part II of the registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-8 Nos. 33-18942, 33-21829, 33-29084 and 33-50640 filed on December 8, 1987, May 13, 1988, June 6, 1989 and August 11, 1992, respectively. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. 31 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirement of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC. By: /S/John J. Meakem, Jr. -------------------------------------------- John J. Meakem, Jr. Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following person in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /S/ John J. Meakem, Jr. Chairman, President, - --------------------------- Chief Executive Officer March 28, 1997 John J. Meakem, Jr. --------------- /S/ Michael O'Connell Executive Vice President, Chief - --------------------------- Administrative Officer and Michael O'Connell Chief Financial Officer March 28, 1997 -------------- /S/ Carl Ehmann Director March 28, 1997 - --------------------------- -------------- Carl Ehmann /S/ Jorge Heller Director March 28, 1997 - --------------------------- -------------- Jorge Heller /S/ Peter Riepenhausen Director March 28, 1997 - --------------------------- -------------- Peter Riepenhausen /S/ Toby Rosenblatt Director March 28, 1997 - --------------------------- -------------- Toby Rosenblatt /S/ Gregory H. Turnbull Director March 28, 1997 - --------------------------- -------------- Gregory H. Turnbull /S/ C. Anthony Wainwright Director March 28, 1997 - --------------------------- -------------- C. Anthony Wainwright /S/ Dennis Winger Director March 28, 1997 - --------------------------- -------------- Dennis Winger
32 ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC. Schedule II
Valuation Accounts Additions Beginning Charged to Ending Balance Expense Deductions Balance - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, 1994 Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $136,020 $5,833 $75,289 $66,564 December 31, 1995 Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $66,564 $29,464 $27,378 $68,650 December 31, 1996 Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $68,650 $9,331 $30,454 $47,527
33 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS The Board of Directors and Shareholders Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc.: We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Nos. 33-18942, 33-21829, 33-29084 and 33-50640) on Forms S-8 of Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and in the Registration Statements (Nos. 33-47399, 33-51326, 33-82562, 33-88972 and 333-759) on Forms S-3 of Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. of our report dated March 5, 1997, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, and the related schedule, which report appears in the December 31, 1996 annual report on Form 10-K of Advanced Polymer Systems, Inc. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP San Francisco, California March 26, 1997 34 EXHIBIT INDEX Form 10-K Annual Report ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC. 3-A -Copy of Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation. (1) 3-B -Copy of Registrant's Bylaws. (1) 10-B -Lease Agreement between the Registrant a nd White Properties Joint Venture for lease of Registrant's executive offices in Redwood City, dated as of August 1, 1992. (3) 10-C -Registrant's 1992 Stock Plan dated August 11, 1992. (2)* 10-N -Agreement with Johnson & Johnson dated April 14, 1992. (3) 10-P -Warrant to Purchase Common Stock. (5) 10-S -Lease Agreement between Registrant and Financing for Science International dated September 1, 1995 (6) 10-T -Security and Loan Agreement between Registrant and Venture Lending dated September 27, 1995 (6) 10-U -Asset Purchase Agreement with Dow Corning Corporation dated January 23, 1996. (7) 10-V -Investment Agreement between Registrant and Lander Company. (8) 10-W -License, Assignment and Supply Agreement between Registrant and Lander Company. 21 -Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. (4) 23 -Consent of Independent Auditors. 27 -Financial Data Schedules - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-15429) and incorporated herein by reference. (2) Filed as Exhibit No. 28.1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-50640), and incorporated herein by reference. (3) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference. (4) To be filed supplementally. (5) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No.33-82562) and incorporated herein by reference. (6) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference. (7) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference. (8) Filed as an Exhibit with corresponding Exhibit No. to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference. * Management Contract or Compensatory plans.


                                                                     Exhibit 10W
                    LICENSE, ASSIGNMENT AND SUPPLY AGREEMENT

        AGREEMENT  effective  January 1, 1997, by and between  PREMIER  CONSUMER
PRODUCTS,  INC. ("PCP") and ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS,  INC.  ("SYSTEMS") and its
wholly-owned  subsidiary,  PREMIER, INC.  ("PREMIER"),  (PREMIER and SYSTEMS are
hereafter collectively referred to as "APS").

                                     RECITAL

        A. APS is the  owner  of or  possesses  a  license  to the  right in the
Territory  to make,  use and sell in all fields  the  ExAct(R),  Every  Step(R),
Neet(R) and Take-Off(R) Products (the "Licensed  Products"),  subject to certain
obligations.

        B. APS is the owner of the  Microsponge(R)  System  technology  which is
useful in the development of consumer products.

        C. PCP desires to obtain the right to manufacture,  use, market and sell
the  Licensed  Products,  and APS is  willing  to grant to PCP such right on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

        IT IS, THEREFORE, AGREED as follows:

        1. Definitions.

        The terms  defined in this  Article 1 shall,  for all  purposes  of this
Agreement, have the following meanings:

        "Affiliate" shall mean any corporation or other entity that directly, or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is
under  common  control  with the  designated  party but only for so long as such
relationship exists. For the purposes of this section, "Control" shall mean





ownership  of at least  fifty  percent  (or such  lesser  percent  as may be the
maximum  that may be  owned by  foreign  interests  pursuant  to the laws of the
country of  incorporation) of the shares of stock entitled to vote for directors
in the case of a corporation  and at least fifty percent (or such lesser percent
as may be the  maximum  that may be owned by foreign  interests  pursuant to the
laws of the country of  domicile)  of the  interests in profits in the case of a
business entity other than a corporation.

        "Effective Date" shall mean January 1, 1997.

        "ExAct Products" shall mean the acne treatment  products  currently sold
by APS under the ExAct trademark and any and all improvements to the Microsponge
System, Patent Rights or Know-How included therein that are made by or on behalf
of APS or PCP prior to December 31, 2003.

        "Every Step Product" shall mean the foot powder  product  currently sold
by APS  under the  Every  Step  trademark  and any and all  improvements  in the
Microsponge System,  Patent Rights or Know-How included therein that are made by
or on behalf of APS or PCP prior to December 31, 2003.

        "Know-How" shall mean all inventions,  discoveries,  trade secrets,  and
information,  whether or not  patented or  patentable,  together  with all data,
formulas,  procedures and results,  and improvements  thereon,  now or hereafter
developed or acquired  prior to December 31, 2003, by or on behalf of APS or PCP
and  proprietary or licensed with right to sublicense to APS, which relate to or
are  used  in  conjunction  with  the  development, 

                                      -2-




manufacture or use of the Microsponge System and Licensed Products.

        "Licensed  Products" shall mean the ExAct, Every Step, Neet and Take-Off
Products.

        "Manufacturing  Equipment and Tooling" means the manufacturing equipment
and  tooling  listed  on  Schedule  I,  which  schedule  shall not  include  any
Microsponge System manufacturing equipment or tooling.

        "Microsponge  System"  shall mean a delivery  system  comprising  highly
cross-linked copolymer beads with a mean particle size between 15 and 30 microns
and a loading capacity between 40 and 50 percent,  having a network of pores and
capable of containment and release as exemplified in U.S.  Patents No. 4,690,825
and No. 5,145,675 and any and all improvements thereof.

        "Neet   Agreement"   shall  mean  the  Trademark   License  and  Product
Development  Agreement  dated August 31, 1995,  by and between  Reckitt & Colman
(Overseas) and Reckitt & Colman SA as the first party and PREMIER and SYSTEMS as
the second party, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement.

        "Neet Products" shall mean the cosmetic  depilatory products included in
"Licensed Products" as defined in the Neet Agreement.

        "Net Sales" shall mean amounts  invoiced on sales of a Licensed  Product
or any  other  product  described  in  Section  4.3  and  subject  to  royalties
thereunder  by PCP,  its  Affiliates,  sublicensees  and  permitted  assigns  to
independent, unrelated third parties in bona fide arms-length transactions, less
the following  deductions  actually  allowed and taken by such third 

                                      -3-




parties and not otherwise recovered by or reimbursed to PCP, its Affiliates,  or
permitted  assigns:  (i) cash and  quantity  discounts  in such  amounts  as are
customary in the trade to the extent  deducted  from the invoiced  price and set
forth  separately  in the  invoice;  (ii)  taxes on sales  (such as sales or use
taxes) to the extent added to the sales price and set forth  separately  as such
in the total amount  invoiced;  (iii) value added taxes when included as part of
the sales price and not  refunded to tie payor;  (iv)  freight,  insurance,  and
other  transportation  charges  to the extent  added to the sales  price and set
forth separately as such in the total amount invoiced; and (v) amounts repaid or
credited  by reason of  rejections,  defects  or  returns.  Net Sales  shall not
include  sales of a  Licensed  Product  between or among  PCP,  its  Affiliates,
sublicensees and permitted assigns.

        "Patent  Rights"  shall  mean any and all patent  application  or issued
patent  relating to the  Microsponge  System or to the  Licensed  Products or to
methods for making or using such System or Licensed  Product,  which  rights are
owned or acquired by or licensed to APS and which are filed or have issued prior
to or during  the term of this  Agreement  in the United  States or any  foreign
country or territory  thereof,  including any and all additions,  continuations,
continuations-in-part,   or  division  thereof  or  any  substitute  application
thereof,  any reissue or  extension  of any such  patent,  and any  confirmation
patent or  registration  patent or patent of addition  based on any such patent.
All United States patents and patent  applications  and all foreign  patents and
applications  currently  within this  

                                      -4-



paragraph  and  applicable  to this  Agreement are set forth in Exhibit B, which
Exhibit shall be amended as necessary to reflect changes or additions to the APS
Patent Rights.

        "Supply  Agreement"  shall  mean the  Supply  Agreement  referred  to in
Article  7 for the  supply  of this  Microsponge  System  containing  an  active
ingredient by APS to PCP, its Affiliates, sublicensees, and assigns.

        "Take-Off  Products"  shall mean  disposable  cloths  integrated  with a
cleanser and primarily  intended for removing  make-up that have been formulated
by APS and are  currently  sold by APS under the Take-Off  trademark and any and
all improvements to the Microsponge  System,  Patent Rights or Know-How included
therein made by or on behalf of APS or PCP prior to December 31, 2003.

        "Territory"  shall mean the United States and its possessions and Canada
in the case of the ExAct and Every Step  Products  and the United  States in the
case of the Take-off and Neet Products.

        2.     Disclosure of Information.

               2.1 Upon execution of this  Agreement and  thereafter  during the
term hereof,  each party shall  disclose to the other,  in confidence  under the
terms of  Article 3 hereof,  relevant  technical  information  as the same shall
become  available,   including   information  relating  to  the  safety  of  the
Microsponge System and any active ingredient  incorporated therein to the extent
necessary or useful to develop or manufacture a Licensed Product.  APS shall, at
the request of PCP and on a confidential basis subject to Article 3, allow PCP's
personnel to visit its manufacturing and research facilities and to consult with
its

                                      -5-




personnel,  at mutually  agreeable  times,  to discuss and review the  technical
information.  All technical information heretofore or hereafter disclosed by APS
to PCP  relating to a Licensed  Product  shall be deemed to have been  disclosed
pursuant to this Agreement including, but not limited to, Article 3 hereof.

        3. Confidentiality. Except as specifically authorized by this Agreement,
each party shall,  for the term of this  Agreement  and for five years after its
expiration or  termination,  keep  confidential,  not disclose to others and use
only for the purposes  authorized herein all technical  information  provided by
the  other  under  this  Agreement;   provided,   however,  that  the  foregoing
obligations  of  confidentiality   shall  not  apply  to  the  extent  that  any
information  is (i) already  known to the recipient at the time of disclosure as
evidenced by its prior written  records;  (ii) published or publicly known prior
to or after disclosure other than through  unauthorized acts or omissions of the
recipient;  (iii)  disclosed  in good faith to the  recipient  by a third  party
entitled  to make such  disclosure;  or (iv)  independently  developed  by or on
behalf of the recipient  without recourse to the disclosure herein as documented
in  writing.   Notwithstanding   the  aforesaid,   the  recipient  may  disclose
information to governmental agencies as required by law, and to vendors having a
need  to  know  and as  may be  necessary  for  the  recipient  to  perform  its
obligations  hereunder and to actual and prospective  acquirors of substantially
all of a party's  business of which this  Agreement is a part,  but only if such
disclosure  to  vendors  and  prospective  acquirors,   including  an  APS 

                                      -6-




toll manufacturer provided by APS pursuant to Section 7.3, is in accordance with
a written agreement imposing  essentially the same obligation of confidentiality
on such party as is imposed upon the recipient hereunder.

        4. Product and Trademark Licenses; Royalties.

               4.1 APS hereby  grants to PCP a license to make,  have made,  use
and sell  under the  Patent  Rights  and  Know-How  (i) the ExAct and Every Step
Products and respective  trademarks in the United States and its possessions and
Canada under their  respective  trademarks and (ii) the Take-Off  Products under
the Take-Off trademark in the United States; excluding, however, the Microsponge
System included in any such Product which shall be separately supplied by APS to
PCP and as to which the right to make and have made is specifically not licensed
to PCP pursuant to this Section 4.1.

               4.2 APS hereby  assigns  to PCP all of its rights  under the Neet
Agreement, including the right to make, have made, use and sell the Neet Product
under the Neet trademark in the United States pursuant to the Neet Agreement.

               4.3  Notwithstanding  Sections 4.1 and 4.2 above, PCP may use the
Every  Step,  ExAct,  Neet  (subject  to the  Neet  Agreement)  and/or  Take-Off
trademarks  in  connection  with the sale of other  products  in the  respective
Territories in consideration of the payment of an earned royalty on Net Sales of
any such other product as set forth in Section 4.6 through 4.10 hereof.

               4.4 The licenses set forth in Section 4.1 shall include the right
to grant sublicensees and shall be exclusive in

                                      -7-




all  fields  of   distribution   in  the   respective   Territories,   provided,
nevertheless,  that APS may grant  licenses in the  applicable  Territory to the
ExAct  Products but not to the ExAct  trademark (i) to one other company such as
Mary Kay for  distribution  in the  market  serviced  by a  distribution  system
utilizing  representatives  selling products directly to the general public, and
(ii) to other  companies  that  promote  the ExAct  Products  primarily  through
doctors and other medical professionals.  Any such licenses by APS other than to
PCP shall be subject  to the  condition  that PCP shall have the first  right of
negotiation to manufacture the Product (but not the Microsponge  System) for APS
to supply the other  licensees.  Except as set forth in this  Section  4.4,  APS
agrees  that  during  the term of this  Agreement  it will not  license  or make
available to any third party any rights in the  Territory to make (other than to
a subcontractor  of APS), use or sell a Microsponge  System  containing  benzoyl
peroxide in or for use in a product for treatment of acne.

               4.5 If PCP's  manufacturing  rights become effective  pursuant to
Section 7.3 hereof, APS also hereby grants to PCP, and consents to PCP having, a
license  in its  Territories,  with the  right to grant  sublicenses,  under APS
Patent  Rights and  Know-How  to make and have made the  Microsponge  System for
inclusion only in a Licensed Product sold under the licensed  trademark for such
Product.

               4.6 In consideration  for the licenses  granted,  and that may be
granted for no additional royalty or consideration 

                                      -8-




other than as set forth below in this  Section  4.6,  PCP will (i) pay to APS an
earned  royalty of ten percent of Net Sales of each Licensed  Product other than
the Neet Product and each other  product  described in Section 4.3 hereof and an
earned royalty of seven percent of Net Sales of the Neet Product for a period of
seven  years  from the  Effective  Date,  provided,  that the  total  cumulative
royalties  payable by PCP to APS on  cumulative  Net Sales as of the end of each
twelve-month  period  beginning on the Effective Date shall be not less than the
amounts set forth on Schedule II and provided,  further, that if there should be
an underpayment of minimum royalties in any twelve-month  period, it may be made
up by  royalty-bearing  Net Sales in the succeeding  twelve-month  period to the
extent  that such Net Sales  exceed the level of Net Sales  required to make the
minimum royalty payment applicable to such succeeding  twelve-month period, and,
if not so made  up,  payment  of the  shortfall  in  royalties  for the  earlier
twelve-month  period shall be made with the first quarterly report after the end
of the succeeding  twelve-month  period;  and (ii) assume and timely perform all
the obligations of PREMIER under the Neet Agreement accruing after the Effective
Date,  including but not limited to the payment of royalties  under Article 6 of
said agreement.

               4.7  Earned  royalty  payments  under  section  4.6 shall be made
within 45 days  following  the end of each  calendar  quarter,  and each payment
shall include  royalties which shall have accrued during said calendar  quarter.
Such  quarterly  payments  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  report  setting  forth
separately  the Net Sales of 

                                      -9-




each Licensed  Product sold during said calendar quarter in each country and the
calculation of royalties  payable for such calendar  quarter.  In addition,  any
underpayment  of the  minimum  royalties  set  forth  on  Schedule  II  and  not
subsequently  made up as set forth  above  shall be paid with the report for the
last quarter of the twelve-month  period  following the  twelve-month  period in
which the shortfall occurred.

               4.8 The remittance of royalties  payable on Net Sales outside the
United  States  shall be made to APS to the  extent  permitted  by law in United
States dollars at the free market rate of exchange of the currency, as published
in the most recent issue of the Wall Street  Journal,  of the country from which
the royalties are payable on the particular  date the  particular  United States
dollars  are  transmitted  for payment as  royalties,  less any  withholding  or
transfer taxes which are applicable.  PCP shall supply APS with proof of payment
of such  taxes  deducted  from  the  royalties  payable  to APS and paid on APS'
behalf.

               4.9 If the  transfer  or the  conversion  of all or a part of the
remittance into the United States dollar  equivalent in any such instance is not
lawful or possible,  the payment of such part of the royalties  shall be made by
the deposit thereof,  in the currency of the country where the sale on which the
royalty  was based was made,  to the credit and account of APS or its nominee in
any  commercial  bank or trust  company of APS' choice  located in that country.
Notification  of such choice of bank or trust  company  shall be given to PCP at
least  thirty days prior to the date that any payment is due.  Prompt  notice of
deposits  by PCP  

                                      -10-




shall be given to APS. APS also agrees that any tax burden levied by any country
on  payments  due or made by PCP to APS under this  Agreement  shall be borne by
APS.

               4.10 PCP and its  Affiliates,  licensees  and  permitted  assigns
shall keep and  maintain  records of Net Sales.  Such  records  shall be open to
inspection at any mutually  agreeable  time during normal  business hours within
two  years  after  the  royalty  period  to  which  such  records  relate  by an
independent  certified  public  accountant (or the equivalent in countries other
than the United States)  reasonably  acceptable to PCP but selected by APS. Said
accountant  shall have the right to examine  the records  kept  pursuant to this
Agreement and report findings of said examination of records to APS only insofar
as it is  necessary  to  evidence  any error on the part of PCP.  This  right of
inspection shall be exercised only once with respect to each country of sale for
any calendar year. The cost of such inspection  shall be borne by APS unless the
result of such examination is the  determination  that Net Sales in a particular
country have been understated by at least three percent for any calendar year in
which  event PCP shall  bear the  reasonable  cost of such  inspection  for such
country.

        5. Assignments; Returns.

               5.1 APS  hereby  assigns,  transfers  and sells to PCP all of its
right, title and interest to:

                       (a)  All  ExAct,  Every  Step,   Take-Off  and  Neet  raw
material,  work-in-process,  finished  product and packaging  inventories  to be
listed on Schedule III promptly after

                                      -11-




December  31,  1996,  that are  owned  by APS and have a shelf  life of at least
twelve months on the Effective  Date,  which  inventories  shall not include any
Microsponge System inventories.

                       (b) The Manufacturing Equipment and Tooling.

                       (c) All  prepayments  and  credits  for  advertising  and
promotional materials.

                       (d) All of APS' rights to use the name "Premier, Inc." as
a corporate name, and as part of this Agreement APS agrees to change the name of
"Premier, Inc." forthwith upon the closing.

               5.2 In consideration of the assignments and transfers made by APS
pursuant to Section 5.1,  PCP agrees to pay to APS, in three equal  installments
on January 31, 1997,  March 31, 1997,  and April 30, 1997, the book value of the
inventories,  Machinery  Equipment and Tooling and  prepayments  and credits for
advertising and promotional  materials so assigned and transferred,  as shown on
the books of APS  maintained in accordance  with  generally-accepted  accounting
principles  consistently  applied,   including  write-offs  and  write-downs  of
obsolete and unmarketable inventories and other materials.

               5.3  Without   limitation  of  any  other  rights  PCP  may  have
hereunder,  APS agrees that if any  Licensed  Products  are  returned to PCP (i)
which were sold by or for the account of APS prior to January 1, 1997 or (ii) as
a result of a manufacturing  or packaging  defect existing when shipped from the
APS  warehouse,  APS shall  reimburse  PCP in an amount  equal to the payment or
credit  that  PCP  provides  in  respect  of such  returned  Licensed  

                                      -12-



Products;  provided,  however,  that  in  no  case  shall  the  amount  of  APS'
reimbursement  obligation  hereunder exceed the sum of the invoice price of such
returned  Licensed  Products plus reasonable costs associated with their return;
and  provided  further  that PCP shall use  commercially  reasonable  efforts to
resolve  disputes  with  customers so as to minimize the amount and frequency of
such  returns.  The  amount to be  reimbursed  to PCP will be  adjusted  for all
saleable  finished  Products  which can be taken  into  inventory  and valued in
accordance with the prices set forth in Schedule III hereto.

        6. PCP Purchase Option.

               6.1 PCP shall have the exclusive  option to purchase from APS all
rights to make,  have  made,  use and sell the  Licensed  Products  (but not any
Microsponge  System included therein) and to the ExAct,  Every Step and Take-Off
trademarks  in the  Territories  on December 31, 2003,  by (i) payment to APS on
December 31, 2003, of the excess, if any, of $7,000,000 over the total royalties
paid  by  PCP to APS  with  respect  to Net  Sales  (including  minimum  royalty
payments)  from the  Effective  Date through  December 31, 2003,  and (ii) PCP's
agreement  to pay to APS  royalties  as set forth in Section 4.6 on Net Sales of
the Licensed Products and other products  described in Section 4.3 hereof for an
additional three years through December 31, 2006.

               6.2 PCP shall  exercise the foregoing  option by giving notice in
writing to APS of its  decision  to do so not later than June 30,  2003.  In the
event PCP exercises the foregoing option,  the parties shall enter into an asset
purchase agreement 

                                      -13-




containing seller representations,  covenants and warranties equivalent to those
contained in Article 12 hereof.

               6.3 In the event that PCP does not exercise the foregoing option,
(i)  all of the  licenses  granted  to PCP by APS  under  this  Agreement  shall
terminate  on December 31, 2003 and all such rights shall revert to APS and (ii)
effective on such date PCP shall  reassign to APS the right to make,  have made,
use and sell the Neet  Product  under the Neet  trademark  in the United  States
pursuant to the Neet Agreement.

        7. Manufacture and Supply.

               7.1 APS agrees to manufacture  and supply to PCP, its Affiliates,
sublicensees and any permitted assignee,  and PCP, its Affiliates,  sublicensees
and any permitted  assignee shall  purchase from APS,  their entire  Microsponge
System  requirements  for  inclusion  in Licensed  Products  including  Licensed
Products as to which PCP has purchased  the rights  pursuant to Section 6 above.
Manufacturing  by APS will be  conducted  to  conform  with  good  manufacturing
practices as may be required from time to time by governmental  regulations.  It
is  intended  that the items to be  supplied  shall be  limited  to  Microsponge
Systems  shipped in bulk,  unless  otherwise  requested by PCP for good business
reasons and within the reasonable capabilities of APS.

               7.2 The parties shall enter into one or more  appropriate  Supply
Agreements  covering  the  manufacture  and supply of  Microsponge  Systems  for
incorporation in Licensed Products. Each Supply Agreement shall include warranty
of merchantability or fitness for use, appropriate provisions relating to price,

                                      -14-




minimum purchase requirements,  specifications, record keeping, term, compliance
with specifications and applicable  governmental  requirements,  rights to audit
and  review  cost,  quality  assurance  procedures  including  optional  on-site
inspections,  aid and assistance to PCP to set up its own manufacturing facility
(either  within or outside  the  United  States) if  permitted,  provisions  for
reasonable notice to APS of supply requirements, and other appropriate terms for
agreements  of this type.  With respect to price,  APS will sell all items at no
greater than 100 percent of its fully burdened cost of  manufacture,  calculated
on  the  basis  of  manufacturing  operations  at 80  percent  capacity  and  in
accordance  with  generally-accepted  accounting  principles  and  other  supply
agreements  between APS and PCP. Such agreement shall provide for the continuing
purchase  and  supply  of all  of  PCP'S,  its  Affiliates',  sublicensees'  and
permitted assignees'  requirements of such items. Each Supply Agreement shall be
negotiated in an atmosphere of good faith and reasonableness.

               7.3 If APS is unable  or shall  otherwise  fail to supply  all of
PCP's and its Affiliates',  sublicensees' and permitted assignees'  requirements
of a  particular  Microsponge  System as  contemplated  in the Supply  Agreement
described  in Section 7.2 above,  APS shall use its best  efforts to provide for
supply from third parties capable of supplying such items.  Any such third party
shall be a toll  manufacturer who has agreed to essentially the same obligations
of  confidentiality  as provided in Section 3 hereof.  Such third  parties shall
demonstrate to PCP's  satisfaction that they can supply PCP and its Affiliates',
and 

                                      -15-




permitted assignees'  requirements for such Microsponge Systems for a continuous
period of 90 days.  The 180-day  period  referred to below shall  commence  only
after such third  parties  shall fail to supply  PCP's and its  Affiliates'  and
permitted assignees'  requirements after such 90-day period. In the event of APS
supplying such items from such third  parties,  APS shall cause such items to be
supplied to PCP at a price not to exceed 100 percent of APS' fully burdened cost
of manufacture  in its own  manufacturing  facility,  calculated on the basis of
manufacturing  at 80 percent  of  capacity  and in  accordance  with  generally-
accepted  accounting  principles.  APS hereby grants to PCP, effective upon such
failure  continuing for 180 days, and PCP shall  thereafter have a license under
APS  Patent  Rights and  Know-How  to  manufacture,  or have  manufactured,  the
particular  Microsponge  System.  Such right and license shall continue  without
regard to whether APS shall thereafter become able or willing to supply all such
requirements. Further, APS shall notify PCP of its inability or unwillingness to
supply PCP with all of PCP's requirements of the Microsponge  Systems as soon as
APS is aware of such facts.  The 90-day and 180-day periods  referred to in this
Section 7.3 shall not be extended by the force majeure  provisions of Section 18
hereof.

        8. Transitional Support. APS agrees that through April 30, 1997, it will
make available to PCP its facilities and personnel to promote and distribute the
Licensed  Products in the same fashion as promoted and distributed  prior to the
Closing  Date in order to provide  an orderly  transition  of the  business.

                                      -16-




In  consideration  of such transition  services,  PCP will pay to APS monthly in
advance the estimated  fully-loaded cost to APS of such services.  At the end of
the transition  period,  the actual  fully-loaded costs of such services will be
computed by the parties and any  underpayment  will  forthwith be paid to APS by
PCP and any overpayment will forthwith be refunded by APS to PCP.

        9. Additional Products. At the option of PCP, APS agrees to negotiate in
good faith  from time to time for the  development  on behalf of PCP by APS,  at
APS'  fully-loaded  development  cost, of additional 0-T-C consumer products for
foot care or benzoyl  peroxide  products for treatment of acne that utilize APS'
Microsponge System and any improvements thereof. Such obligation of APS shall be
subject to any preexisting agreements of APS. In addition, APS shall consider at
its option  any  request  by PCP that APS  develop on behalf of PCP other  O-T-C
consumer  products  that utilize APS'  Microsponge  System and any  improvements
thereof.

        10. Patents, Trademarks, Infringement.

               10.1  If in  the  opinion  of  either  party  any  issued  patent
contained in APS Patent Rights has been  infringed in the Territory by a product
in competition with a Licensed Product or any trademark  licensed  hereunder has
been  infringed in the Territory by a third party,  such party shall give to the
other party notice of such alleged  infringement,  in which event APS may at its
discretion  take such  steps as it may  consider  necessary  to  prosecute  such
infringement.  If APS,  after such  notice,  elects to bring  suit,  it shall be
entitled  to all  damages  recovered  as a 

                                      -17-




result of said infringement.  If APS brings suit, other than with respect to the
ExAct trademark in Canada,  and is unable to terminate the  infringement  within
two years from the date of original notice by PCP of the infringement,  Licensed
Product  covered by such APS Patent  Rights or  trademark  shall  thereafter  be
treated for royalty purposes as if it were not covered by such APS Patent Rights
or  trademark  for so long as the  infringement  continues.  PCP shall  have the
right, at its own expense,  to be represented by counsel in any such litigation.
If APS,  after such notice from PCP,  elects not to bring suit,  it shall notify
PCP of such  election  within 30 days after receipt of such notice and PCP shall
then  have the  right  to  bring  suit at its own  expense  or,  if APS does not
diligently  prosecute such suit in a manner reasonably  necessary to protect the
rights  of  PCP  hereunder,  PCP  shall  similarly  have  the  right  to  assume
prosecution  of the suit at its own  expense.  PCP shall  also have the right to
bring suit if APS fails to institute suit within six months from the date of the
original notice of  infringement  by PCP. In any litigation  brought by PCP, PCP
shall have the right to use and sue in APS' name,  and APS shall have the right,
at its own expense, to be represented by counsel. If PCP brings such suit, other
than with respect to the ExAct trademark in Canada, all royalty obligations with
respect to the Licensed Product competitive with the product reasonably believed
to  be  infringing,  on a  country-by-country  basis,  shall  be  suspended  and
royalties  permitted  to  accrue in a special  account  on PCP's  books for that
purpose.  APS shall be entitled to be paid such

                                      -18-





royalties  on  termination  of any such suit  reduced by  reasonablE  litigation
expenses incurred by PCP. If PCP receives any recovery or damages, said recovery
or damages  shall be retained by PCP.  Neither  party shall settle any such suit
without the written consent of the other party if such  settlement  would impair
or prejudice the rights of the other party.

               10.2  In  the  event  PCP  is  sued  by a  third  party  charging
infringement  of a  patent  resulting  from  the  manufacture,  use or sale of a
Microsponge  System in a Licensed  Product or an infringement of a third party's
rights  resulting  from the use of a  trademark  pursuant  to the  license  of a
trademark  hereunder  (excluding,  however,  the use of the ExAct  trademark  in
Canada),  PCP shall promptly  notify APS.  During the pendency of such suit, PCP
shall have the right to apply up to 50% of the  royalties on such product in the
country of suit due to APS from the alleged infringing  Licensed Product against
its litigation expenses reasonably incurred in such suit.

               10.3 In the  event  that,  pursuant  to a  judgment  in any  suit
claiming infringement of a patent or trademark of a third party by a Microsponge
System  incorporated in a Licensed Product,  PCP is required to pay damages or a
royalty to, grant a sublicense to, or enter into a  cross-licensing  arrangement
with a third party as a result of such claimed infringement or in the event of a
settlement  of  such  suit  consented  to by APS  (which  consent  shall  not be
unreasonably  withheld)  requiring  damages  or  royalty  payments  to be  made,
sublicenses to be granted,  or  cross-licenses to be entered into, APS shall pay
one-half of such

                                      -19-



damages or royalty payments.

               10.4  APS  warrants  that it is  presently  not  aware of (i) any
patents or patent  applications  owned by a third party and not  licensed to APS
and licensed or to be licensed to PCP hereunder  which would be infringed by the
practice of the presently  existing Know-How or Patent Rights that are or may be
licensed or sublicensed to PCP hereunder or by the  manufacture,  use or sale of
the Microsponge  System based thereon to be  incorporated in a Licensed  Product
or,  (ii)  except  for the  right to use the  ExAct  trademark  in  Canada,  any
trademark owned by a third party and not licensed to APS that would be infringed
by the sale in the Territory of a Licensed Product under its present  trademark,
nor has APS received any claims by third parties with respect to such matters.

        11. Ownership of Technology.  The Microsponge System,  including but not
limited to  Know-How as  applicable  to the  Microsponge  System,  conceived  or
reduced to practice  during the term of this  Agreement or within one year after
the term of this  Agreement  by  Employees  or agents of APS or PCP shall be the
sole property of APS and may be licensed or  transferred  by APS for any purpose
that is not inconsistent  with its obligations  under this Agreement but subject
to the rights of PCP set forth herein.

        12. Warranties and Representations.

               12.1 APS warrants and represents  that, to its knowledge,  it has
full right,  title, and interest in and to or the right to practice all Know-How
and Patent Rights relating to the  Microsponge  System and that it has the right
to enter into 

                                      -20-




the licenses and  assignment  set forth  herein;  that there are no  outstanding
written or oral  agreements  inconsistent  with this  Agreement;  and that it is
empowered  to enter  into this  Agreement  and grant the  licenses  and make the
assignments  provided  herein  without  burdens,  encumbrances,  restraints,  or
limitations  of any kind which  could  adversely  affect the rights of PCP under
this Agreement except as may be set forth herein.

               12.2 APS  warrants  and  represents  that it will  prosecute  and
maintain the patent  applications  and patents included in APS Patent Rights and
any federal and state trademark  registrations  set forth in Exhibit C hereto to
the extent that they cover Licensed Products.

               12.3 APS  warrants and  represents  that it knows of no rights of
others that would impede PCP's  ability to sell any Licensed  Product  except as
provided in the Neet  Agreement,  provided  that APS has approved in writing any
claims to be made for the Licensed Products.

               12.4 APS  warrants  and  represents  that this  Agreement  covers
substantially  all of PREMIER's  business of which the  Licensed  Products are a
part,  that the  assignment is valid under the Neet Agreement and that by virtue
of  such  assignment  PCP  will  acquire  all of  PREMIER's  rights  under  such
Agreement.  APS will  promptly  inform  Reckitt & Colman  Overseas and Reckitt &
Colman S.A. of the  assignment  and secure an  acknowledgement  from them of the
assignment and of PCP as the assignee.

               12.5  APS  warrants  and  represents  that any  filings  with and
consents and approvals of any governmental  agencies, 

                                      -21-




including but not limited to the United States Food and Drug Administration,  to
the extent required in connection with the offer,  shipment and sale of Licensed
Products where presently sold in the applicable Territory have been obtained and
are in full force and effect and will not expire or be  adversely  affected as a
result of this Agreement.

        13. Indemnification.  APS agrees to indemnify,  defend and hold harmless
PCP from and against  any and all  claims,  costs,  expenses,  damages,  losses,
actions or  liabilities  in  connection  with  injuries to persons and  property
caused or alleged to be caused by defects in or relating  to  Licensed  Products
manufactured or sold prior to the Effective Date or sold by APS to PCP hereunder
for resale.

        14. Term.  Unless sooner  terminated as herein provided,  this Agreement
shall  become  effective  on the  Effective  Date and shall  continue  in effect
thereafter until terminated in accordance with the terms hereof.

        15. Termination.

               15.1  Either  PCP or APS may  terminate  this  Agreement  and any
licenses  granted  herein upon breach of any of the material terms herein by the
other party  (including  failure to pay earned royalties when due) upon 45-days'
prior written notice; provided that if during said 45 days the party so notified
cures the breach  complained of then this Agreement shall continue in full force
and effect.

               15.2  Termination of  this  Agreement  shall  not  terminate  the
obligations of PCP to make any payments pursuant to Sections

                                      -22-



4.6 and 6.1 or the obligations of confidentiality imposed on either party.

        16. Publicity. Neither party will originate any publicity, news release,
public  comment or other public  announcement,  written or oral,  whether to the
press, to stockholders,  or otherwise,  relating to this Agreement,  without the
written  consent of the other party  (which  consent  shall not be  unreasonably
withheld),  except for such announcement  which in accordance with the advice of
legal  counsel to the party  making such  announcement  is required by law.  The
party making any announcement  which is required by law will,  unless prohibited
by law,  give the other party an  opportunity  to review the form and content of
such  announcement  and comment  before it is made.  Either party shall have the
right to make such  filings  with  governmental  agencies as to the contents and
existence  of  this  Agreement  as  it  shall   reasonably   deem  necessary  or
appropriate.

        17. Assignability.

               17.1 This  Agreement  may not be assigned by either party without
the prior written consent of the other,  which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld,  provided, that in any event either party may assign this Agreement an
Affiliate  or to any  party  that  acquires  substantially  all of such  party's
business of which this Agreement may be a part.

               17.2 No  assignment  permitted  by this Article 17 shall serve to
release  either party from  liability  for the  performance  of its  obligations
hereunder.

                                      -23-




        18. Notices.  All notifications,  demands,  approvals and communications
required to be made under this Agreement shall be validly given if and when made
by mail prepaid and registered or certified (return receipt requested) addressed
to the address of the party to whom  directed (as herein set forth or the latest
change  thereof  notified to the  addressor).  The parties hereto shall have the
right to  notify  each  other of  changes  of  address  during  the life of this
Agreement.

If to APS,                          ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC.
                                    3696 Haven Avenue
                                    Redwood City, California 94063
                                    Attention:  President

If to PCP,                          PREMIER CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
                                    106 Grand Avenue
                                    P. O. Box 9610
                                    Englewood, New Jersey 07631
                                    Attention:  Chairman

        Any such  notice  mailed  as  aforesaid  shall be  deemed  to have  been
received by and given to the  addressee  on the date  specified on the notice of
receipt and delivery returned to the sender.

               19.  Force  Majeure.  In the event of any failure or delay in the
performance by a party of any provision of this Agreement due to acts beyond the
reasonable control of such party (such as, for example, fire, explosion,  strike
or  other  difficulty  with  workmen,   shortage  of  transportation  equipment,
accident,  act of God, or compliance with or other action taken to carry out the
intent or purpose  of any law or  regulation),  then such party  shall have such
additional  time  to  perform  as  shall  be  reasonably   necessary  under  the
circumstances.  In the event of such failure or delay,  the affected  party will
use its best efforts,  consonant with sound business  judgment and to the extent
permitted by law,

                                      -24-




to correct such failure or delay as expeditiously as possible.

        20. Miscellaneous.

               20.1 This  Agreement is intended to define the full extent of the
legally  enforceable  undertakings  of the parties  hereto  with  respect to the
subject matter hereof, and no promise or representation,  written or oral, which
is not set forth  explicitly in this Agreement is intended by either party to be
legally  binding.  Both parties  acknowledge that in deciding to enter into this
Agreement and to consummate  the  transaction  contemplated  hereby  neither has
relied upon any statements or representations, written or oral, other than those
explicitly set forth in this Agreement.

               20.2  It is the  desire  and  intent  of  the  parties  that  the
provisions of this Agreement shall be enforced to the extent  permissible  under
the laws and public policies applied in each  jurisdiction in which  enforcement
is sought.  Accordingly,  if any particular  provision of this  Agreement  which
substantially affects the commercial basis of this Agreement shall be determined
to be invalid or  unenforceable,  such provision shall be amended as hereinafter
provided to delete therefrom or revise the portion thus determined to be invalid
or unenforceable,  such amendment to apply only with respect to the operation of
such provision of this Agreement in the particular  jurisdiction  for which such
determination  is made.  In such  event,  the  parties  agree to use  reasonable
efforts to agree on substitute  provisions,  which, while valid, will achieve as
closely as possible the same economic effects or commercial basis as the 

                                      -25-




invalid  provisions,  and this Agreement  otherwise shall continue in full force
and effect.  If the parties  cannot agree to such revision  within 60 days after
such invalidity or unenforceability is established,  the matter may be submitted
by either party to  arbitration  as provided in this  Agreement to finalize such
revision.

               20.3 The  waiver by a party of any  single  default  or breach or
succession  of defaults or breaches by the other shall not deprive  either party
of any right  under this  Agreement  arising  out of any  subsequent  default or
breach.

               20.4 All matters  affecting  the  interpretation,  validity,  and
performance  of this  Agreement  shall be  governed  by the laws of the State of
California without regard to the conflicts of laws principles of such state.

               20.5 Nothing in this Agreement  authorizes either party to act as
agent for the other party as to any matter. The relationship between APS and PCP
is that of independent contractors.

               20.6 Any and all disputes between the parties relating in any way
to the  entering  into of this  Agreement  and/or  the  validity,  construction,
meaning,  enforceability,  or  performance  of  this  Agreement  or  any  of its
provisions, or the intent of the parties in entering into this Agreement, or any
of its  provisions,  or any dispute  relating to patent validity or infringement
arising under this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration.  Such  arbitration
shall be conducted at New York,  New York, if initiated by APS, or at Palo Alto,
California, if 

                                      -26-




initiated by PCP, in accordance  with the rules then  pertaining of the American
Arbitration  Association  with a panel of three  arbitrators.  Each party  shall
select one  arbitrator and the two selected  arbitrators  shall select the third
arbitrator.  If the two selected  arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator
then the American Arbitration  Association shall select said arbitrator from the
National  Panel  of  Arbitrators.  Reasonable  discovery  as  determined  by the
arbitrators shall apply to the arbitration  proceeding.  Judgment upon the award
rendered  by the  arbitrators  may be entered in any court  having  jurisdiction
thereof.  The  successful  party in such  arbitration,  in addition to all other
relief  provided,  shall be entitled to an award of all its reasonable costs and
expenses  including  attorney  costs.  Both  parties  agree  to  waive,  and the
arbitrators shall have no right to award,  punitive or consequential  damages in
connection with an arbitration proceeding hereunder.

        IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  undersigned  have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed by their duly authorized officers on the date first above written.


                         PREMIER CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.



                         By:________________________________

                         Title:_____________________________




                         ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS, INC.

                                      -27-





                         By:________________________________

                         Title:_____________________________




                         PREMIER, INC.



                         By:________________________________

                         Title:_____________________________




         The undersigned  hereby  guarantees the performance by Premier Consumer
Products, Inc. of all of its obligations under the agreement set forth above.


                         LANDER CO., INC.



                         By: _______________________________

                         Title: ____________________________


                                      -28-




                                    EXHIBIT B


                                  Patent Rights



USA Issued Patents -

         #4,690,825
         #5,145,675



Canadian Issued Patents -

         #128,355



                                      -29-





                                    EXHIBIT C


                                   Trademarks



           Microsponge                        1,481,281

           EveryStep                          1,788,744

           ExAct Design                       1,971,569

           ExAct                              1,782,010

           Take-Off                           1,304,541


                                      -30-








                                   SCHEDULE I


                       Manufacturing Equipment and Tooling






                                   SCHEDULE II


                            Minimum Royalty Schedule


                                              Cumulative Total
                                             Minimum Royalties
                                            ------------------
                     Year I                   $     525,000

                     Year II                      1,050,000

                     Year III                     1,700,000

                     Year IV                      2,350,000

                     Year V                       3,175,000

                     Year VI                      4,000,000

                     Year VII                     5,000,000
              
              
              
        In the event that the Neet  Agreement  should be terminated by Reckitt &
Colman  (Overseas)  Limited  and  Reckitt  & Colman  SA in  accordance  with the
provisions of Section 11.2 of the Neet Agreement:
       
               (i)  the  Minimum  Royalties  for Years IV through  VII set forth
                    above shall be reduced as follows:


                     Year IV                    $ 2,150,000

                     Year V                     $ 2,775,000

                     Year VI                    $ 3,400,000

                     Year VII                   $ 4,200,000
 

and in consideration of such reduction

               (ii) APS shall be  entitled  to retain any  termination  payments
                    made by  Reckitt & Colman  (Overseas)  Limited  or Reckitt &
                    Colman SA pursuant to Section 11.3 of the Neet Agreement.






                                  SCHEDULE III


                                   Inventories


                (To be prepared promptly after December 31, 1996)





 


5 12-MOS DEC-31-1996 JAN-01-1996 DEC-31-1996 5,394,509 0 1,666,148 47,527 2,085,073 11,654,762 13,465,088 8,783,796 18,444,168 7,854,943 5,578,849 183,597 0 0 4,826,779 18,444,168 17,252,166 18,664,907 10,771,766 10,771,766 16,345,328 9,331 1,223,303 (9,378,099) 0 (9,378,099) 0 0 0 (9,378,099) ($0.52) ($0.52)