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Avidity Biosciences Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

Key Takeaway: Avidity Biosciences announced the granting of stock options and restricted stock units to 37 new employees as per Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). This move aims to attract talent by offering equity awards at the closing price of $31.82 per share. The company is focused on advancing RNA therapeutics, specifically Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs), to treat several rare neuromuscular diseases. Avidity's promising pipeline and innovative approach position it as a leader in the RNA therapeutic space.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Avidity Biosciences granted substantial stock options and RSUs to new employees, reflecting growth and investment in talent.
  • The company is pioneering a new class of RNA therapeutics, indicating a strong potential for innovation in healthcare.
  • Avidity's clinical programs target rare neuromuscular diseases, which could lead to breakthroughs in treatment.

Full Press Release Details

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNA), a biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics called Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™), today announced that on December 20, 2024, the Human Capital Management Committee of Avidity's Board of Directors granted non-qualified stock option awards to purchase an aggregate of 720,400 shares of its common stock and 276,200 restricted stock units ("RSUs") to thirty-seven (37) new non-executive employees under the Avidity Biosciences, Inc. 2022 Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan (the "2022 Inducement Plan"). The awards were granted as inducements material to the employees entering into employment with Avidity in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
The 2022 Inducement Plan is used exclusively for the grant of equity awards to individuals who were not previously employees of Avidity, or following a bona fide period of non-employment, as an inducement material to such individuals' entering into employment with Avidity, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
The options have an exercise price of $31.82 per share, which is equal to the closing price of Avidity's common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market on December 20, 2024, or the vesting commencement date. The shares subject to the stock options will vest over four years, with 25% of the shares vesting on the one-year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and the balance of the shares vesting in a series of 36 successive equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to each employee's continued employment with Avidity on such vesting dates. The RSUs will vest in four equal installments on the first four anniversaries of the vesting commencement date, subject to each employee's continued employment with Avidity on such vesting dates. The awards are subject to the terms and conditions of the 2022 Inducement Plan and the terms and conditions of a stock option agreement or RSU agreement, as applicable, covering the grant.
Avidity Biosciences, Inc.'s mission is to profoundly improve people's lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics - Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™). Avidity is revolutionizing the field of RNA with its proprietary AOCs, which are designed to combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies to address targets and diseases previously unreachable with existing RNA therapies. Utilizing its proprietary AOC platform, Avidity demonstrated the first-ever successful targeted delivery of RNA into muscle and is leading the field with clinical development programs for three rare neuromuscular diseases: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Avidity is also advancing two wholly-owned precision cardiology development candidates addressing rare genetic cardiomyopathies. In addition, Avidity is broadening the reach of AOCs with its advancing and expanding pipeline including programs in cardiology and immunology through key partnerships. Avidity is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information about our AOC platform, clinical development pipeline and people, please visit www.aviditybiosciences.com and engage with us on LinkedIn and X.
SOURCE Avidity Biosciences, Inc.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Avidity Biosciences focused on?

Avidity Biosciences aims to enhance lives through RNA therapeutics known as AOCs™.

What stock options were granted on December 20, 2024?

On December 20, Avidity granted options for 720,400 shares and 276,200 RSUs to new employees.

How are the stock options structured?

The stock options vest over four years, with 25% vesting after one year and monthly thereafter.

What diseases are targeted by Avidity's AOCs?

Avidity's AOCs target rare diseases like DM1, DMD, and FSHD.

Where is Avidity Biosciences located?

Avidity Biosciences is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Last updated: Dec 20, 2024