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Kyverna (NASDAQ: KYTX) hires Nadia Dac as CCO with 300,000-share option

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. appointed veteran commercial leader Nadia Dac as Chief Commercial Officer, effective May 4, 2026. She will lead commercial strategy and execution for miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101), a CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy being developed for stiff person syndrome and other B‑cell-driven autoimmune diseases.

In connection with her appointment, Kyverna will grant Ms. Dac an option to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock under its Amended and Restated 2024 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, as an inducement award under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The option will have an exercise price equal to the closing price on May 4, 2026 and will vest over four years, with 25% vesting on the one-year anniversary of her appointment and the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to continued service.

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Item 8.01 Other Events Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Inducement option size 300,000 shares Option to purchase common stock granted to new CCO on May 4, 2026
Initial cliff vesting 25% of shares Vesting on the one-year anniversary of appointment as Chief Commercial Officer
Ongoing vesting schedule 1/48th monthly Remaining option shares vest monthly over four years, subject to continued service
Industry experience More than 30 years Nadia Dac’s US and global commercial leadership in biopharmaceuticals
Chief Commercial Officer financial
"announcing the appointment of Nadia Dac as the Company’s Chief Commercial Officer"
A chief commercial officer (CCO) is the senior executive responsible for a company’s revenue-generating activities, including sales, marketing, pricing, customer relationships and business development. Think of the CCO as the head coach who builds the game plan to win customers and grow sales; their effectiveness affects how fast a company earns money, enters new markets and sustains profits, making the role a key signal for investors about future revenue and competitive strength.
Inducement Equity Incentive Plan financial
"pursuant to the Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2024 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan"
An inducement equity incentive plan is a program that grants employees or executives company shares or stock options to motivate and reward their work, often as a way to attract new talent. It aligns their interests with the company's success, encouraging them to contribute to long-term growth. For investors, such plans can influence a company's stock performance and overall financial health by motivating key personnel.
Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) regulatory
"in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)"
NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) is a rule that requires a company to get approval from its shareholders before selling a large amount of its shares, usually over 20%. This helps protect investors by making sure the company doesn't flood the market with new shares without their say, which could lower the stock's value.
CAR T-cell therapy medical
"a fully human, autologous, CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy with CD28 co-stimulation"
Car T-cell therapy is a medical treatment that uses a patient’s own immune cells, modified in a lab to better recognize and attack cancer cells. It is considered a breakthrough because it offers potentially long-lasting effects for certain types of cancer. For investors, its development and approval can signal advances in healthcare innovation and potential growth opportunities in the biotech sector.
stiff person syndrome medical
"poised to be the first treatment approved for patients with stiff person syndrome"
A rare neurological disorder in which muscles become abnormally stiff and prone to painful spasms, often triggered by movement, noise, or emotional stress; it is usually caused by an immune system problem that interferes with normal nerve signals to muscles. Investors care because the condition creates demand for specialized diagnostics, long-term therapies, and clinical research; progress or setbacks in treatments, approvals, or trial results can materially affect companies developing drugs, medical devices, or diagnostic tests, similar to how a breakthrough in a small but underserved market can change a company’s prospects.
registrational trial medical
"its recently completed registrational trial in stiff person syndrome"
A registrational trial is the large, definitive clinical study designed to provide the evidence regulators need to decide whether a new drug or medical product can be approved for sale. Think of it as the final exam for a treatment: passing it can unlock widespread market access and potential revenues, while failing it can sharply reduce a product’s commercial prospects and raise investment risk.
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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): May 4, 2026

 

 

Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Delaware

001-41947

83-1365441

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

5980 Horton St., Suite 550

 

Emeryville, California

 

94608

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (510) 925-2492

 

 

(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, par value $0.00001 per share

 

KYTX

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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 8.01 Other Events.

On May 4, 2026, Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the appointment of Nadia Dac as the Company’s Chief Commercial Officer, effective May 4, 2026. A copy of the press release is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

 

 

Number

Description

 

 

99.1

Press Release, dated May 4, 2026.

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL).

 

 


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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

KYVERNA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date:

May 4, 2026

By:

/s/ Marc Grasso, M.D.

 

 

 

Marc Grasso, M.D.
Chief Financial Officer

 


Exhibit 99.1

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Kyverna Therapeutics Appoints Nadia Dac, Seasoned Commercial Leader in Neurology and Rare Disease, as Chief Commercial Officer

Ms. Dac brings more than 30 years of experience successfully executing product launches and scaling commercial organizations for a range of therapeutic areas

 

EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 4, 2026 -- Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointment of veteran commercial leader Nadia Dac as Chief Commercial Officer, effective May 4.

 

With more than 30 years of US and global commercial leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry, Ms. Dac has deep experience successfully executing new product launches and building high-performing commercial organizations, including those making the transition to commercial-stage for the first time. At Kyverna, she will lead commercial strategy and execution for miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101), which is poised to be the first treatment approved for patients with stiff person syndrome, followed by anticipated expansion into other neuroimmunology diseases.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nadia to the Kyverna team, at this pivotal time of transitioning to a commercial-stage organization,” said Warner Biddle, Chief Executive Officer of Kyverna. “As we advance miv-cel toward a potential first approval in stiff person syndrome, we are laying the foundation for a leading, multi-indication neuroimmunology franchise. Nadia further strengthens our team’s strong commercial CAR T expertise with proven launch execution and strategic leadership within neurology and immune-mediated rare diseases that are critical to building and scaling our commercial organization and driving long-term growth.”

 

Ms. Dac most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer at Omeros Corporation, where she built and led the commercial organization for rare disease programs in hematologic and immune-mediated conditions, including the launch of Yartemlea®, the first FDA-approved treatment for hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy. Prior to Omeros, she served as CCO at Alder Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., where she led the commercial launch of Vyepti® in migraine prevention, prior to the company’s acquisition by Lundbeck.

 

Previously, Ms. Dac served as Vice President of Global Specialty Commercial Development at AbbVie, where she led portfolio strategy and optimization across rare disease and neuroscience, supporting the advancement and lifecycle management of multiple specialty assets within complex, highly competitive markets. Prior to AbbVie, she was Vice President of Marketing at Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where she oversaw the launch and commercialization of a portfolio of men’s health products ahead of the company’s acquisition by Endo International plc.

 

Earlier in her career, Ms. Dac held roles of increasing responsibility at Novartis, building the commercial infrastructure that effectively launched Gilenya® and Extavia® in multiple sclerosis; held marketing and leadership roles at Biogen, with responsibility for multiple sclerosis brands, including Tysabri® and Avonex®; and supported the Alzheimer’s therapy, Aricept® at Pfizer. She also spent nearly a decade in neuroscience marketing and sales roles at Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly and Company. Ms. Dac holds a B.S. in Marketing from Rutgers University.


Exhibit 99.1

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“Kyverna has made remarkable progress, delivering compelling clinical data in multiple indications, and creating the opportunity to bring a transformational treatment approach to patients with autoimmune disease,” said Ms. Dac. “With miv-cel, we have the potential to deliver durable benefit in settings where there are no or limited treatment options. I’m excited to work alongside the team to translate that promise into a disciplined, execution-driven commercial strategy, ensuring we are ready to deliver for patients, providers and payers at launch and beyond.”

 

Inducement Grant

In connection with the appointment of Ms. Dac as Kyverna's Chief Commercial Officer, on her start date, May 4, 2026, Kyverna will grant Ms. Dac an option to purchase 300,000 shares of its common stock (Option). The Option will be granted pursuant to the Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2024 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan and will be granted as an inducement material to Ms. Dac’s employment with Kyverna in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The exercise price of the Option will be the closing price of Kyverna's common stock on the date of grant. The Option will vest over four years, with 25% of the total number of shares subject to the Option vesting on the one-year anniversary of Ms. Dac’s appointment and 1/48th of the total number of shares subject to the Option vesting monthly thereafter, subject in each case to Ms. Dac’s continued service to Kyverna on each vesting date. Kyverna is providing this information in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

About miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101)

Miv-cel is a fully human, autologous, CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy with CD28 co-stimulation, designed for potency and tolerability, which is under investigation for B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases. With a single administration, miv-cel has potential to achieve deep B-cell depletion and immune system reset to deliver durable drug-free, disease-free remission in autoimmune diseases.

About Kyverna Therapeutics

Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX) is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on liberating autoimmune patients through the curative potential of cell therapy. Kyverna’s lead autologous CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy candidate, miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101), has demonstrated the potential to fundamentally change the treatment paradigm across multiple B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Kyverna is advancing its potentially first-in-class neuroimmunology franchise with its recently completed registrational trial in stiff person syndrome and an ongoing registrational trial for generalized myasthenia gravis. The Company is also harnessing other KYSA trials and investigator-initiated trials, including in multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, to inform the next priority indications. Additionally, its next generation pipeline includes CAR T-cell therapies deploying novel innovations to improve patient access and experience. For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” The words, without limitation, “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Forward-looking


Exhibit 99.1

img163238323_0.gif

statements in this press release include, without limitation, those related to: Kyverna’s next phase of growth, including its potential transition to a commercial-stage company; the potential launch of miv-cel in stiff person syndrome and miv-cel’s potential to fundamentally change the treatment paradigm across multiple B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases, to achieve deep B-cell depletion and immune system reset to deliver durable drug-free, disease-free remission in autoimmune diseases and to be the first treatment approved for patients with stiff person syndrome; Kyverna’s anticipated expansion into other neuroimmunology diseases; Kyverna’s pipeline opportunities; Kyverna’s potentially first-in-class neuroimmunology franchise and its potential to bring a transformational treatment approach to patients with autoimmune disease and to deliver durable benefit in settings where there are no or limited treatment options; and Kyverna's clinical trials and investigator-initiated trials. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties related to market conditions, the possibility that results from prior clinical trials, named-patient access activities and preclinical studies may not necessarily be predictive of future results; the possibility that the past track records of Kyverna and its personnel may not be repeated or indicative of future success; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Kyverna’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that Kyverna has filed or may subsequently file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations of Kyverna’s management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and Kyverna specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Contact:

Investors: InvestorRelations@kyvernatx.com

Media: media@kyvernatx.com

 

 


FAQ

What did Kyverna Therapeutics (KYTX) announce in this 8-K filing?

Kyverna Therapeutics announced the appointment of Nadia Dac as Chief Commercial Officer, effective May 4, 2026. The company also disclosed an inducement stock option grant tied to her hiring and highlighted her role in leading commercialization of miv-cel in autoimmune diseases.

Who is Nadia Dac and what experience does she bring to Kyverna (KYTX)?

Nadia Dac is a seasoned commercial executive with more than 30 years of US and global biopharmaceutical experience. She has led multiple product launches across neurology and rare diseases at companies including Omeros, Alder, AbbVie, Auxilium, Novartis, Biogen, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly.

What stock option award is Kyverna granting to its new Chief Commercial Officer?

Kyverna will grant Nadia Dac an option to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock. The option’s exercise price will equal the closing price on May 4, 2026 and is being issued under the Amended and Restated 2024 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan as an inducement award.

How will Nadia Dac’s stock options at Kyverna (KYTX) vest over time?

The stock option for 300,000 shares will vest over four years. 25% of the shares vest on the one-year anniversary of her May 4, 2026 appointment, and 1/48th of the total shares vest monthly thereafter, contingent on her continued service with Kyverna.

What is miv-cel (KYV-101), Kyverna’s lead therapy mentioned in the filing?

Miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101) is a fully human, autologous, CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy with CD28 co-stimulation. It is being investigated for B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases and is positioned as a potential first approved treatment for stiff person syndrome with broader neuroimmunology expansion plans.

What stage of development is Kyverna Therapeutics’ lead program in?

Kyverna describes itself as a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company. It has completed a registrational trial in stiff person syndrome for miv-cel and is running an ongoing registrational trial in generalized myasthenia gravis, alongside other KYSA and investigator-initiated trials in autoimmune diseases.

Under which Nasdaq rule was Nadia Dac’s inducement option at Kyverna granted?

The inducement stock option for 300,000 shares was granted in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). This rule allows equity awards as a material inducement to a person entering employment, outside of shareholder-approved plans, when properly disclosed by the company.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

2 documents