Recent Updates
Recently added Catalysts
IRD Positive Sentiment

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

Key Takeaway: Opus Genetics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has approved equity awards for three new non-executive employees as part of its 2021 Inducement Plan. The awards, totaling 310,000 stock options, are designed to incentivize employment and comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The options will vest over four years, promoting long-term commitment.
Price reaction · baseline $4.07 (2026-08-19 close) · hit after-hours · clean, no other IRD news in the window
day 0 close
+1.2%

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Opus Genetics is expanding its workforce with new hires.
  • The company is advancing its gene therapy programs for vision restoration.
  • Equity awards align with Nasdaq regulations, enhancing corporate governance.

BiopharmaWatch Analysis

From our catalyst data and publicly available data · not financial advice
Best trade, last catalyst
+45%
120-day peak, hindsight
Typical move
11%
average across 10 past catalysts
Cash runway
~20 mo
Low dilution risk
Lead asset
Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution
Phase 3 · Vision Loss Night

Full Press Release Details

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opus Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: IRD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies to restore vision and prevent blindness in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) (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 three non-executive employees who were not previously employees or directors of the Company. The equity awards were approved in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
The equity awards were granted in the form of options to purchase an aggregate of 310,000 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 grant date and vest over a period of four years, with 25% vesting on the one-year anniversary of the hire 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 the applicable award agreement.

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 RDH12, MERTK, RHO, CNGB1 and NMNAT1. The Company is based in Research Triangle Park, NC. For more information, visit www.opusgtx.com.

Investors Jenny Kobin Remy Bernarda IR Advisory Solutions ir@opusgtx.com

Media Kimberly Ha KKH Advisors 917-291-5744 kimberly.ha@kkhadvisors.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the equity awards approved by Opus Genetics?

Opus Genetics approved equity awards totaling 310,000 stock options for three new non-executive employees.

What is the vesting schedule for the stock options?

The options vest over four years, with 25% vesting after one year and the remainder quarterly.

What does Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4) entail?

Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4) allows companies to grant equity awards as inducements for employment.

What is the focus of Opus Genetics?

Opus Genetics develops gene therapies aimed at restoring vision and preventing blindness.

Last updated: Aug 19, 2026