[Form 4] Durect Corp Insider Trading Activity
Gail J. Maderis, a director of DURECT Corporation (DRRX), reported option and stock activity on 09/09/2025. The filing shows the grant of a stock option to purchase 5,500 shares at an exercise price of $1.22, with the option exercisable after vesting and an expiration date of 09/25/2034. The option vests 100% on the day before the first anniversary of the grant, subject to continued service. The report also shows acquisition of 5,500 shares of common stock (direct) and indirect beneficial ownership of 20,000 shares held by the Gail J. Maderis Revocable Trust dated 04-08-2013, for reported holdings of 5,500 direct and 20,000 indirect shares following the transaction.
- Director received a clear equity grant (5,500-share option at $1.22) which aligns interests with shareholders
- Full disclosure of direct and indirect holdings (5,500 direct; 20,000 indirect via revocable trust) improves transparency
- None.
Insights
TL;DR: Director received a standard option grant of 5,500 shares at $1.22; holdings modest relative to typical market-cap impact.
The grant and concurrent acquisition are routine director compensation events disclosed under Section 16. The fully vesting schedule (100% vesting one year after grant) ties the award to continued service rather than performance milestones. The exercise price equals the stated price in the filing, and the option carries a long-dated expiration (09/25/2034), giving significant time for potential value realization. Reported beneficial ownership includes 5,500 direct shares post-transaction and 20,000 indirect via a revocable trust, which clarifies immediate insider exposure but does not by itself indicate material ownership concentration.
TL;DR: Compensation appears typical for a director; vesting conditioned on service aligns incentives but contains no performance conditions.
The one-year cliff vesting is a common mechanism to retain directors for at least a year. The filing transparently discloses direct and indirect holdings and the trust relationship (Gail Maderis Trustee). There is no indication of any related-party transaction beyond standard director award mechanics, and no amendments or unusual terms are reported in this Form 4.