DVAX updates exec roles: COO title change Jan 1, 2026; CMO transition

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Dynavax Technologies Corporation announced leadership changes tied to an internal realignment. Effective January 1, 2026, David F. Novack will transition from President and Chief Operating Officer to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The Board approved the removal of Robert Janssen, M.D. from his roles as Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, effective upon the earlier of the Company hiring a new Chief Medical Officer or March 2, 2026. Dr. Janssen’s employment will conclude as of March 2, 2026. The Company has commenced a search for a successor Chief Medical Officer.

Insights

Biotech governance analyst

Leadership realignment with defined transition dates; operational continuity depends on CMO replacement.

Dynavax is redistributing executive responsibilities: David F. Novack shifts to Senior Vice President and retains COO duties on January 1, 2026. The Board set a clear endpoint for Dr. Robert Janssen, whose CMO role ends upon appointment of a successor or by March 2, 2026.

This structure provides a backstop date while permitting an earlier transition if a new CMO is hired. The filing lists no compensation or operational changes beyond titles, so effects are organizational rather than financial in this excerpt.

Key near-term item is the CMO search and timing of an appointment. Subsequent disclosures may specify the successor and any related program or reporting-line changes.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance

Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →

DYNAVAX TECHNOLOGIES CORP false 0001029142 0001029142 2025-10-15 2025-10-15

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 15, 2025

Dynavax Technologies Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware		001-34207		33-0728374
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

2100 Powell Street, Suite 720
Emeryville, CA		94608
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (510) 848-5100

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value		DVAX		Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

In connection with an internal realignment of various management roles and responsibilities, on October 15, 2025, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Dynavax Technologies Corporation (the “Company”) approved the transition of David F. Novack from his roles as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer to his new roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2026. The Board also approved the removal of Robert Janssen, M.D.’s roles as Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, effective upon the earlier to occur of (a) the date the Company employs a new Chief Medical Officer and (b) March 2, 2026, and further approved the conclusion of Dr. Janssen’s employment as of March 2, 2026.

The Company has commenced a search process for a successor Chief Medical Officer.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

						Dynavax Technologies Corporation
Date: October 15, 2025				By:		/s/ John Slebir
						John Slebir Senior Vice President, General Counsel

FAQ

What leadership changes did DVAX announce?

David F. Novack will become Senior Vice President and remain Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2026, as part of an internal realignment.

When will DVAX’s current CMO role change take effect?

The Board approved removal of Dr. Robert Janssen’s CMO role upon hiring a new CMO or by March 2, 2026, whichever occurs first.

When does Dr. Robert Janssen’s employment at DVAX end?

His employment will conclude as of March 2, 2026.

Is Dynavax searching for a new Chief Medical Officer?

Yes. The Company has commenced a search process for a successor Chief Medical Officer.

Does the filing mention compensation or financial terms for these changes?

No. The excerpt addresses title changes and dates; it does not outline compensation terms.

What is the effective date of David Novack’s new title at DVAX?

His transition to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer is effective January 1, 2026.