Opus Genetics Reports Inducement Grant Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

Rhea-AI Summary

Opus Genetics (Nasdaq: IRD) announced on Nov 4, 2025 that its Compensation Committee approved inducement equity awards under the 2021 Inducement Plan for two new hires in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

The grants consist of stock options: 175,000 shares to James Farrell, Executive Director of Business Development, and 189,448 shares to a non-executive employee. Options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the grant date and vest over four years: 25% at the one-year milestone (based on hire or grant date as specified) with the remaining 75% vesting quarterly thereafter, subject to acceleration or forfeiture under each award agreement.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Nov. 04, 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 the Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors approved equity awards under the Company’s 2021 Inducement Plan, as amended, as a material inducement to employment to James Farrell, the Company’s newly appointed Executive Director of Business Development, as well as to one non-executive employee, in each case, who were not previous employees or directors of the Company. The equity awards were approved in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), which also requires a public announcement of any equity awards that are not made under a stockholder approved equity plan.

The equity awards for the two employees were granted in the form of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, with 175,000 shares subject to the option granted to Mr. Farrell and 189,448 shares subject to the option granted to the other non-executive employee. The option awards have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of an underlying share of Company common stock as of the date of grant and vest over a period of four years, with 25% vesting on the one-year anniversary of the hire date with respect to the 175,000 shares grant and the one-year anniversary of the grant date with respect to the 189,448 shares grant and the remaining 75% vesting in quarterly installments thereafter, subject to acceleration or forfeiture upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in each new hire’s award agreements.

About Opus Genetics

Opus Genetics is 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’s pipeline features AAV-based gene therapies targeting inherited retinal diseases including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), bestrophinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Its lead gene therapy candidates are OPGx-LCA5, which is in an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial for LCA5-related mutations, and OPGx-BEST1, a gene therapy targeting BEST1-related retinal degeneration. Opus Genetics is also advancing Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, a partnered therapy currently approved in one indication and being studied in two Phase 3 programs for presbyopia and reduced low light vision and nighttime visual disturbances. The Company is based in Research Triangle Park, NC. For more information, please 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

FAQ

What did Opus Genetics announce on Nov 4, 2025 under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)?

Opus Genetics disclosed inducement stock option grants for two new hires totaling 364,448 shares, filed to satisfy Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4) disclosure requirements.

How many option shares did James Farrell receive from Opus Genetics (IRD)?

James Farrell received an option covering 175,000 shares of Opus Genetics common stock.

What are the vesting terms for the Opus Genetics inducement options (IRD)?

Options vest over four years: 25% vests at the one-year mark (hire or grant date as specified), with the remaining 75% vesting in quarterly installments thereafter.

What exercise price applies to the Opus Genetics inducement options (IRD)?

Each option has an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of Opus Genetics common stock on the grant date.

Do Opus Genetics inducement options include acceleration or forfeiture provisions (IRD)?

Yes, the awards are subject to specified acceleration or forfeiture events as set forth in each employee's award agreement.

Why did Opus Genetics make a public announcement about these equity awards (IRD)?

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) requires public disclosure when equity awards are granted as material inducements outside a stockholder-approved plan.