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

Rhea-AI Summary

Opus Genetics (Nasdaq: IRD) announced on Dec 2, 2025 that its Compensation Committee approved inducement equity awards under the company’s 2021 Inducement Plan in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

The awards were granted to two new non-executive employees as options to purchase an aggregate of 124,000 shares of common stock. The options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the grant date and vest over four years: 25% at one year and the remaining 75% in quarterly installments, subject to acceleration or forfeiture as set in each award agreement.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 02, 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 two non-executive employees 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 an aggregate of 124,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. 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 grant date 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 to restore vision and prevent blindness in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The Company is developing durable, one-time treatments designed to address the underlying genetic causes of severe retinal disorders. The Company’s pipeline includes seven AAV-based programs, led by OPGx-LCA5 for LCA5-related mutations and OPGx-BEST1 for BEST1-related retinal degeneration, with additional candidates targeting RHO, RDH12, and MERTK. Opus Genetics is also advancing Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, an approved small-molecule therapy for pharmacologically induced mydriasis, with additional indications in late-stage development for presbyopia and low-light visual disturbances following keratorefractive surgery. 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 Dec 2, 2025 regarding Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4)?

Opus Genetics announced inducement equity awards approved under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) to two new non-executive employees.

How many shares were granted to new hires in the Opus Genetics inducement awards (IRD)?

The company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 124,000 shares of common stock.

What are the vesting terms for the Opus Genetics (IRD) option grants?

Options vest over four years: 25% on the one-year anniversary and the remaining 75% in quarterly installments thereafter.

What is the exercise price for the Opus Genetics inducement options (IRD)?

The exercise price equals the fair market value of a share of common stock on the grant date.

Do the Opus Genetics inducement awards dilute existing shareholders (IRD)?

The announcement discloses an aggregate of 124,000 shares; dilution effect depends on the company’s total outstanding shares, which is not stated in the release.