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.
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, IRD declined 0.50%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction. This price movement removed approximately $721K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $143M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Pre-news, IRD was up 4.6% with mixed peer moves: ANEB +1.82%, OKYO +5.88%, OVID +1.85%, ATRA +8%, while IMUX declined 6.29%, indicating stock-specific rather than uniform sector momentum.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 09 | Clinical safety update | Positive | +4.4% | IDMC gave positive recommendation to continue BEST1 Phase 1/2 trial. |
| Dec 02 | Inducement equity grant | Neutral | -0.5% | Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4) inducement options for two new employees. |
| Nov 20 | Investor conferences | Neutral | +3.8% | Management participation in two early December healthcare investor events. |
| Nov 13 | Clinical trial start | Positive | -3.6% | First participant dosed in OPGx‑BEST1 Phase 1/2 trial for Best disease. |
| Nov 12 | Earnings & update | Neutral | -2.5% | Q3 2025 results with RMAT meeting and LCA5/BEST1 program updates. |
Recent news often aligned with price direction, with one notable divergence where a positive clinical milestone drew a negative reaction.
Over the last few months, Opus Genetics reported multiple milestones. A Nov 13 update on first dosing in the OPGx‑BEST1 Phase 1/2 trial and a Dec 9 positive IDMC safety recommendation advanced its Best disease program. A Nov 12 Q3 2025 update highlighted clinical progress and cash runway, while conference participation on Nov 20 boosted visibility. The Dec 2 inducement grant fits into routine equity-based hiring activity alongside these clinical and financing developments.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details inducement equity awards under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) for two new non‑executive employees, totaling 124,000 stock options that vest over 4 years. It reflects routine hiring and compensation practices rather than a strategic shift. In context of recent clinical and financing events, investors may track how ongoing option grants and past offerings influence overall share count, while focusing primarily on future trial readouts and cash planning.
Key Terms
nasdaq listing rule 5635(c)(4) regulatory
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
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
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
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)?
How many shares were granted to new hires in the Opus Genetics inducement awards (IRD)?
What are the vesting terms for the Opus Genetics (IRD) option grants?
What is the exercise price for the Opus Genetics inducement options (IRD)?
Do the Opus Genetics inducement awards dilute existing shareholders (IRD)?
