Opus Genetics Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

Rhea-AI Summary

Opus Genetics (Nasdaq: IRD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases, has granted equity inducement awards to two new non-executive employees on June 30, 2025. The awards include 240,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.94 per share and 150,000 restricted stock units (RSUs).

The stock options will vest over four years, with 25% vesting after one year and the remaining 75% vesting quarterly thereafter. The RSUs will vest in four equal annual installments. These awards were granted under the Company's 2021 Inducement Plan and approved by the Compensation Committee in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opus Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: IRD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and small molecule therapies for other ophthalmic disorders (the “Company”), today announced that, on June 30, 2025, it granted equity awards to two new non-executive employees as a material inducement to employment. The equity awards were granted under the Company’s 2021 Inducement Plan, as amended, and were approved by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

The equity awards consisted of stock options to purchase an aggregate of 240,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and 150,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The stock options have an exercise price of $0.94, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of June 30, 2025. The options vest over a period of four years, with 25% vesting on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments at the end of each quarter thereafter. The RSUs vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date. All equity awards are subject to the employees’ continued employment with the Company on the applicable vesting dates.

About Opus Genetics

The Company is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene and small molecule therapies for vision-threatening eye diseases. The Company’s pipeline features AAV-based gene therapies targeting inherited retinal diseases including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), bestrophinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Its lead candidate, OPGx-LCA5, is in a Phase 1/2 trial for LCA5-related mutations and has shown encouraging early results. Additional programs include OPGx-BEST1, a gene therapy targeting BEST1-related retinal degeneration and a Phase 3-ready small molecule therapy for diabetic retinopathy, developed under a Special Protocol Assessment with the FDA. The Company is also advancing Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, a partnered therapy currently approved in one indication and is being studied in two Phase 3 programs for presbyopia and dim light vision disturbances. The Company is based in Research Triangle Park, NC. For more information, visit www.opusgtx.com.

Contacts
Investors
Jenny Kobin
Remy Bernarda
IR Advisory Solutions
ir@opusgtx.com

Media
Kimberly Ha
KKH Advisors
917-291-5744
kimberly.ha@kkhadvisors.com

Source: Opus Genetics, Inc.

FAQ

What equity awards did Opus Genetics (IRD) grant to new employees in June 2025?

Opus Genetics granted 240,000 stock options at $0.94 per share and 150,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) to two new non-executive employees.

What is the vesting schedule for Opus Genetics (IRD) stock options granted in June 2025?

The stock options vest over 4 years, with 25% vesting after one year and the remaining 75% vesting in quarterly installments thereafter.

How do the RSUs vest in Opus Genetics' (IRD) June 2025 inducement grants?

The RSUs vest in four equal annual installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversary of the grant date.

What was the exercise price for Opus Genetics' (IRD) stock options granted on June 30, 2025?

The stock options have an exercise price of $0.94, equal to the closing price of Opus Genetics' common stock on June 30, 2025.