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Opus Genetics, Inc.

For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed May 15, 2025.

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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Mar 31, 2025 · Filed May 15, 2025

IRD$4.18+4.4%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

1.Company Description and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

Opus Genetics, Inc. (the “Company” or “Opus”), a Delaware corporation formerly known as Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. (the “Company” or “Opus”), is a clinical-stage ophthalmic biotechnology company developing gene therapies for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (“IRDs”) and other types of therapies for additional ophthalmic disorders. The Company’s headquarters is located in Durham, North Carolina.

On October 22, 2024, the Company acquired a private corporation then operating under the name of “Opus Genetics, Inc.” (“Private Opus”) pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 22, 2024 (such agreement, the “Merger Agreement” and the transaction consummated via the Merger Agreement, the “Opus Acquisition”), by and among the Company, Private Opus, and certain merger subsidiaries party thereto.

The Company’s pipeline includes assets from the adeno-associated virus (“AAV”) based gene therapy portfolio of Private Opus that address mutations in genes that cause different forms of Leber congenital amaurosis (“LCA”), bestrophinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Apart from gene therapies, the Company’s pipeline also includes Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, a non-selective alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist to reduce pupil size as well as APX3330, a novel small-molecule inhibitor of Ref-1 designed to slow the progression of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The Company’s most advanced gene therapy program is designed to address mutations in the LCA5 gene (“LCA5”), which encodes the lebercilin protein. More specifically, we are developing OPGx-LCA5 to treat LCA5-associated inherited retinal disease (“IRD”), an early-onset retinal degeneration, and an open-label, dose-escalation Phase 1/2 clinical trial is ongoing.OPGx-BEST1 is another gene therapy candidate in the Company’s portfolio. This asset is being developed for the treatment of IRDs associated with mutations in the BEST1 gene (“Best Disease”), which can lead to legal blindness.

In November 2022, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement (the “Viatris License Agreement”) with FamyGen Life Sciences, Inc. (acquired by and now known as Viatris, Inc. (“Viatris”)), pursuant to which it granted Viatris an exclusive license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize its refractive product candidate Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% (initially known as Nyxol) (“PS”). PS is a once-daily eye drop formulation of phentolamine mesylate designed to reduce pupil diameter and improve visual acuity. PS was approved by the FDA for the treatment for pharmacologically induced mydriasis produced by adrenergic agonists (e.g., phenylephrine) or parasympatholytic (e.g., tropicamide) agents, or a combination thereof under the brand name RYZUMVI® in September 2023 and was launched commercially in April 2024. For decreased vision under mesopic (low) light conditions following keratorefractive surgery, we received FDA agreement under Special Protocol Assessment (“SPA”) for LYNX-2, a Phase 3 Trial of PS.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and include the accounts of the Company’s subsidiary, Private Opus. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The Company’s fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.

The December 31, 2024 condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, and may not include all disclosures required by GAAP; however, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2024 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, have been made. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

The derivative liability line item reflected on the December 31, 2024 consolidated balance sheet in the prior year was reclassified to the accrued expenses and other liabilities line item in the amount of $2,000.

Liquidity

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern. From its inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to drug development and conducting clinical trials.

As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $41.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. The Company believes its current available cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund the Company’s planned expenditures and meet its obligations for at least twelve months from the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements.

In the future, the Company may need to raise additional funds until it is able to generate sufficient revenues to fund its development activities. The Company’s future operating activities, coupled with its plans to raise capital or issue debt financing, may provide additional liquidity in the future, however these actions are not solely within the control of the Company and the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these actions to generate the liquidity ultimately required.

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Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information

Operating segments are components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer views the Company’s operations and manages its business inone operating segment, which is the business of development of products related to vision performance and health. Accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes contained herein include the measure of profit or loss, categories of expenses and other financial information that is evaluated by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of deposit to be cash equivalents.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. Management follows approved policies established by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) to reduce credit risk associated with the Company’s cash deposit and investment accounts. Pursuant to these policies, the Company limits its exposure through the kind, quality and concentration of its investments. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held or managed by three financial institutions in the United States. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash equivalents of $41.0 million that were not eligible for coverage by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These balances are invested in funds whose assets consist almost entirely of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or guaranteed by the U.S. government.

Short-term Investments

The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and records them on a settlement date basis. The Company’s short-term investments are comprised of equity securities, which in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described below are recorded at fair value using Level l inputs on the balance sheets. Subsequent changes in fair values are recorded in other income, net on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The Company classifies investments available to fund current operations as current assets on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company didnot recognize any impairments on its investments to date through March 31, 2025.

Revenue Recognition

The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance provides a five-step model to determine how revenue is recognized. The Company has entered into license agreements which have revenue recognition implications (See Note 10 – License and Collaboration Agreements).

In determining the appropriate amount of revenue to be recognized, the Company performs the following steps: (i) identification of the contracts with a customer; (ii) determination of the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including potential constraints on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations based on estimated stand-alone selling prices; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606. Performance obligations may include license rights, development and other services. Significant management judgment is required to determine the level of effort required under an arrangement and the period over which the Company expects to complete its performance obligations under the arrangement. If the Company cannot reasonably estimate when its performance obligations are either completed or become inconsequential, then revenue recognition is deferred until the Company can reasonably make such estimates. Revenue is then recognized over the remaining estimated period of performance using the cumulative catch-up method.

As part of the accounting for these arrangements, the Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation identified in the contract. The Company uses key assumptions to determine the stand-alone selling price, which may include forecasted revenues, development timelines, reimbursement rates for personnel costs, discount rates and probabilities of technical and regulatory success. The Company allocates the total transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling prices of the promised goods or service underlying each performance obligation.

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Licenses of intellectual property and research and development services: If the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company recognizes revenues from non-refundable, up-front fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer, and the customer can use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are bundled with other obligations, such as research and development services, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees. For research and development services that are distinct from a license transfer obligation, the Company determines whether the services are satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from such services. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition.

Milestone payments: At the inception of each arrangement that includes milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether the milestones are considered probable of being achieved and estimates the amount to be included in the transaction price using the most likely amount method. If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur, the value of the associated milestone (such as a regulatory submission) is included in the transaction price. Milestone payments that are not within the control of the Company, such as approvals from regulators, are not considered probable of being achieved until such contingency occurs (such as receipt of those approvals).

Royalties: For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on the level of sales, and the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (a) when the related sales occur, or (b) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied).

Contract Assets and Unbilled Receivables

The Company recognizes contract assets and unbilled receivables when goods or services are transferred to the customer before the customer pays or before reimbursement for payment is billed or due, excluding any amounts presented as an account receivable. The Company recorded contract assets and unbilled receivables in connection with a license and collaboration agreement (See Note 10 – License and Collaboration Agreements).

Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Credit Losses

The Company records a provision for credit losses, when appropriate, based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. The Company estimates credit losses over the remaining expected life of an asset by, among other things, primarily using historical experience and current economic conditions that could affect the collectability of the balances in the future. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes that it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. Actual write-offs may be in excess of the Company’s estimated allowance. The Company hasnot incurred any bad debt expense to date andno allowance for credit losses has been recorded during the periods presented.

Warrant Liabilities

The Company issued warrants to purchase equity securities in connection with the March 2025 financings and are recorded under the warrant liabilities line item in the accompany condensed consolidated balance sheets (See Note 7 – Financings). The Company accounts for these warrants as a liability at fair value when the number of shares is not fixed and determinable. Additionally, issuance costs associated with the warrant liability are expensed as incurred and reflected as financing costs in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The Company adjusts the liability for changes in fair value until the earlier of the exercise or expiration of the warrants for any period until such time. Any future change in fair value of the warrant liabilities, when outstanding, is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss under the fair value change in warrant liabilities line item.

Other Derivative Liabilities

The Company evaluates all features contained in financing agreements to determine if there are any embedded derivatives that require separation from the underlying agreement under ASC 815 –Derivatives and Hedging. An embedded derivative that requires separation is accounted for as a separate liability from the host agreement. The separated embedded derivatives are accounted for separately on a fair market value basis. The Company records the fair value change of a separated embedded derivative when they occur in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss under the fair value change in derivative liabilities line item. The Company determined that certain features under an equity line financing collectively qualified as an embedded derivative (See Note 7 — Financings). The derivative was accounted for separately from the underlying equity line financing agreement.

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Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows accounting guidance that emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value measurements are defined on a three-level hierarchy:

•Level 1 inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
•Level 2 inputs: Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, whether directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
•Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which requires management to develop its own assumptions in pricing the asset or liability.

Asof March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, contract assets and unbilled receivables, prepaid and other assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these assets or liabilities. The fair value of the short-term investments, while outstanding, were based on observable Level 1 inputs in the form of quoted market prices from a major stock exchange. The fair value of the liabilities associated with the equity line financing facility and the March 2025 Warrants and March 2025 Private Placement Warrants (as defined below) are based on cash flow models discounted at current implied market rates representing expected returns by market participants for similar instruments and are based on Level 3 inputs as well the Company’s underlying stock price and associated volatility, expected term and market interest rates (See Note 7 – Financings). There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

The fair value of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis is as follows (in thousands):

DescriptionTotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Assets:
Short-term investments$1$1$—$—
Total assets at fair value$1$1$—$—
Liabilities:
Warrant liabilities$12,715$—$—$12,715
Other derivative liabilities2——2
Total liabilities at fair value$12,717$—$—$12,717
DescriptionTotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Assets:
Short-term investments$2$2$—$—
Total assets at fair value$2$2$—$—
Liabilities:
Other derivative liabilities$2$—$—$2
Total liabilities at fair value$2$—$—$2

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The following table provides a roll-forward of short-term investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using observable level 1 inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
Short-term investments
Balance as of beginning of period$2$15
Unrealized loss(1)(10)
Balance as of end of period$1$5

The following table provides a roll-forward of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable level 3 inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
Warrant liabilities
Balance as of beginning of period$—$—
Issuance of March 2025 Warrants and March 2025 Private Placement Warrants15,520—
Change in fair value(2,805)—
Balance as of end of period$12,715$—
Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
Other derivative liabilities
Balance as of beginning of period$2$74
Change in fair value——
Balance as of end of period$2$74

There wereno financial instruments measured on a non-recurring basis for any of the periods presented.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, including salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation costs, for personnel in functions not directly associated with research and development activities. Other significant costs include insurance coverage for directors and officers and other property and liability exposures, legal fees relating to intellectual property and corporate matters, business development costs, professional fees for accounting and tax services, other services provided by business consultants, and legal settlements.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses consist of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including compensation, benefits and stock-based compensation costs for research and development employees and costs for consultants, costs associated with nonclinical studies and clinical trials, regulatory activities, manufacturing activities to support clinical activities, license fees, nonlegal patent costs, fees paid to external service providers that conduct certain research and development, and an allocation of overhead expenses. Research and development expenses include costs that are reimbursed under the Viatris License Agreement (See Note 10 – License and Collaboration Agreements).

Other income, net includes interest earned from cash and cash equivalent investments, realized and unrealized gains (losses) from equity investments, and reimbursements in connection with grants and other sources when they occur. In addition, this line item includes payments made by the Company when they occur in connection with the Contingent Value Rights Agreement(the “CVR Agreement”)discussed further below with former shareholders of Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Rexahn”).

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Accordingly, compensation costs related to equity instruments granted are recognized at the grant date fair value. The Company records forfeitures when they occur. Stock-based compensation arrangements to non-employees are accounted for in accordance with the applicable provisions of ASC 718.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 -Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enhances reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through disclosures of significant segment expenses. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The guidance must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2024. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This guidance also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted. The Company has determined that the adoption of this guidance will augment its income tax disclosures related mainly to categorical detail in the rate reconciliation and jurisdictional detail associated with income taxes paid.

2.Mergers

Acquisition of Opus Genetics

As described in Note 1 – “Company Description and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” on October 22, 2024, the Company completed the stock purchase of Private Opus. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the closing of the Opus Acquisition, the Company issued to the security holders of Private Opus 5,237,063 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 14,145.374 shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, designated as Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), each share of which was convertible into 1,000 shares of common stock, subject to stockholder approval, which was obtained at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 30, 2025. Following the closing of the Opus Acquisition, the Company had 31,435,507 shares of common stock and 14,145.374 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. The total consideration in connection with the Opus Acquisition was $25.8 million. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, asone asset, the underlying intellectual property associated with the IRD therapies, comprised more than 90% of Private Opus’s assets.

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Merger with Rexahn

On November 5, 2020, the Company completed a merger transaction with Rexahn (“Rexahn Merger”). In connection with the Rexahn Merger, the Company, Shareholder Representatives Services LLC, as representative of the Rexahn stockholders prior to the Merger, and Olde Monmouth Stock Transfer Co., Inc., as the rights agent, entered into a Contingent Value Rights Agreement (the “CVR Agreement”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Rexahn Merger and the CVR Agreement, Rexahn stockholders of record as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Rexahn Merger receivedone contingent value right (“CVR”) for each share of Rexahn common stock held.

Each CVR entitles such holders to receive, for each calendar quarter (each, a “CVR Payment Period”) during the 15-year period after the closing (the “CVR Term”), an amount equal to the following:

•90% of all payments received by Rexahn or its affiliates during such CVR Payment Period from or on behalf of BioSense Global LLC (“BioSense”) pursuant to that certain BioSense License and Assignment Agreement (as defined below);
•90% of all payments received by Rexahn or its affiliates during such CVR Payment Period from or on behalf of Zhejiang HaiChang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“HaiChang”) pursuant to that certain Exclusive License Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2020, by and between HaiChang and Rexahn, minus certain permitted deductions; and
•75% of the sum of (i) all cash consideration paid by a third party to Rexahn or its affiliates during the applicable CVR Payment Period in connection with the grant, sale or transfer of rights to Rexahn’s pre-closing intellectual property (other than a grant, sale or transfer of rights involving a sale or disposition of the post-Merger combined company) that is entered into during the 10-year period after the closing (“Parent IP Deal”), plus (ii) with respect to any non-cash consideration received by Rexahn or its affiliates from a third party during the applicable CVR Payment Period in connection with any Parent IP Deal, all amounts received by Rexahn or its affiliates for such non-cash consideration at the time such non-cash consideration is monetized by Rexahn or its affiliates, minus (iii) certain permitted deductions.

The CVRs are not transferable, except in certain limited circumstances, will not be certificated or evidenced by any instrument, will not accrue interest and will not be registered with the SEC or listed for trading on any exchange. The CVR Agreement will continue in effect until the later of the end of the CVR Term and the payment of all amounts payable thereunder. As of March 31, 2025, no payments subject to the CVR Agreement hadbeen received beyond those previously reported in the second and third quarters of calendar year 2021. In addition, no milestones had been accrued as there wereno potential milestones yet considered probable beyond those previously reported.

3.Commitments and Contingencies

Apexian Sublicense Agreement

On January 21, 2020, the Company entered into a sublicense agreement with Apexian Pharmaceuticals, Inc., pursuant to which it obtained exclusive worldwide patent and other intellectual property rights. In exchange for the patent and other intellectual rights, the Company agreed to certain milestone payments and royalty payments on future sales (See Note 9 — Apexian Sublicense Agreement). As of March 31, 2025, there was sufficient uncertainty with regard to any future cash milestone payments under the sublicense agreement that no liabilities were recorded related to the sublicense agreement.

University of Pennsylvania LCA5/RDH12 License Agreement

On June 15, 2022, Opus entered into an amended and restated license agreement (the “LCA5/RDH12 Agreement”) with the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (“Penn”) pursuant to which it was granted an exclusive, royalty-bearing license to certain patents and a non-exclusive license to certain information relating to products directed towards treatment or correction of mutation of the LCA5 or RDH12 genes. In return for these rights, the Company is obligated to make certain development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments up to a maximum potential aggregate amount of $2.6 million and royalty payments on future net sales of such products. Until the Company is required to pay royalties under the LCA5/RDH2 Agreement, the Company must pay a de minimis annual license maintenance fee to Penn. The Company is also obligated to make payments on any sublicense income, with such percentage depending on the stage of product development, which there was no sublicense income for any of the periods presented. As of March 31, 2025, the Company determined that none of the future obligations under the agreement were probable and therefore no liabilities were recorded related to the agreement.

Iveric Asset Purchase Agreement – BEST1 and RHO Programs

On December 23, 2022, Opus entered into an asset purchase agreement with Iveric (the “Iveric Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company acquired certain assets, including the BEST1 License (as defined below), relating to the BEST1 and RHO products. In return for these rights, the Company is obligated to make payments to Iveric upon the achievement of specified development and commercial milestones, the maximum potential aggregate amount of such payments being $111.7 million. As of March 31, 2025, the Company determined that none of the future obligations under the agreement were probable and therefore no liabilities were recorded related to the agreement.

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Penn and University of Florida BEST1 License Agreement

On April 10, 2019, Iveric entered into an exclusive patent license agreement (as amended, the “BEST1 License”) with Penn and the University of Florida Research Foundation (“UF”), which agreement was assigned to Opus under the terms of the Iveric Agreement. Under the BEST1 License, Opus received exclusive patent rights and non-exclusive knowhow and data rights with regard to products to treat diseases associated with mutations in the BEST1 gene. In return for these rights, we are obligated to make payments to Penn upon the achievement of certain clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, the maximum potential aggregate amount of such payments being $76.4 million. The Company is also obligated to make royalty payments on future net sales of licensed BEST1 products. Until the Company is required to pay royalties under the BEST1 License, the Company must pay a de minimis annual license maintenance fee to UF and Penn. The Company must also make payments on any sublicense income, with such percentage depending on the stage of product development, which there was no sublicense income during any of the periods presented. In consideration for Penn and UF’s consent to the assignment of the BEST1 License to us under the Iveric Agreement, the Company will also pay Penn a percentage of each milestone payment that we are required to pay to Iveric under the Iveric Agreement. As of March 31, 2025, the Company determined that none of the future obligations under the agreement were probable and therefore no liabilities were recorded related to the agreement.

LCA5 VR License

On March 2, 2023, Opus entered into a non-exclusive license agreement (the “LCA5 VR License”) with Penn pursuant to which it was granted a non-exclusive license to certain patents and copyrights relating to testing visual function using simulated living situations in individuals with visual disorders, for Opus’ use in clinical trials for the evaluation of retinal disorder treatments caused by LCA5 mutations. In return for these rights, the Company is obligated to make a de minimis payment to Penn for each use of a licensed product in a clinical trial. As of March 31, 2025 the liability related to use of the licensed product is de minimis.

Penn and UF RHO License Agreement

On June 6, 2018, Iveric entered into an exclusive patent license agreement (the “RHO License”) by and between Penn and UF pursuant to which the Company has exclusive patent rights and non-exclusive knowhow and data rights with regard to products to treat rhodopsin-mediated diseases as a result of the Iveric Agreement as defined above. In return for these rights, the Company is obligated to make development and commercial milestone payments, the maximum potential aggregate amount of such payments being $93.5 million and royalty payments on future sales of such products. As of March 31, 2025, the Company determined that none of the future obligations under the agreement were probable and therefore no liabilities were recorded related to the agreement.

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary License Agreement

On November 9, 2021, Opus entered into a license agreement (the “MEEI License”) with the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (“MEEI”), granting an exclusive worldwide license of MEEI patents for use in the NMNAT1 program for all products and processes including the treatment of retinal disease in humans, and a non-exclusive worldwide license to technological information. In return for these rights, the Company is obligated to make development milestone payments, the maximum potential amount of such payments being $0.4 million and royalty payments on future sales of such products. As of March 31, 2025, the Company determined that none of the future obligations under the agreement were probable and therefore no liabilities were recorded related to the agreement.

Facility and Other Leases

On January 1, 2025, the Company relocated its headquarters to Durham, North Carolina. The monthly base rent for the new headquarters lease is approximately $3,000 and the lease expires September 30, 2025.

The previous headquarters lease qualified for the short-term lease exception under ASC 842, Leases. The monthly base rent for the previous headquarters lease was approximately $3,000.

The Company also leases additional laboratory space on a month-to-month basis for an aggregate monthly rent of approximately $9,000. The Company, upon the Opus Acquisition, assumed a number of equipment leases (the “Equipment Leases”) that qualified for the short-term exception under ASC 842-20-25-2. The Equipment Leases have a monthly rent in the aggregate of approximately $10,000 per month and expire in July 2025.

The rent expense associated with all leases amounted to $67,000 and $9,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Other

In the ordinary course of business, from time to time, the Company may be subject to a broad range of claims and legal proceedings that relate to contractual allegations, patent infringement and other claims. In addition, the Company from time to time may be potentially committed to reimburse third parties for costs incurred associated with business development related transactions upon the achievement of certain milestones. The Company establishes accruals when applicable for matters and commitments for which it believes losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. To date, no loss contingency for such matters and potential commitments have been recorded. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters or potential commitments, the Company is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these matters and potential commitments will not have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial position.

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4.Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Accrued Expenses and Other liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

As of
March 31,December 31,
20252024
Payroll$515$1,481
Professional services4,0701,608
Research and development services and supplies4,1414,452
Other380606
Total$9,106$8,147
5.Related Party Transactions

Consulting Agreements with Dr. Pepose

On April 8, 2022, the Company entered into a consulting agreement (as amended, the “2022 Pepose Consulting Agreement”) with Jay Pepose, M.D., a former director of the Company. The 2022 Pepose Consulting Agreement originally provided for $10,000 a month in cash payments and a stock option grant for 50,000 options, of which 25% vested on March 31, 2023, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over 36 months. The 2022 Pepose Consulting Agreement was amended on September 19, 2022 to provide for vesting acceleration for stock-based awards in the event of a change in control, and on December 1, 2022 to increase the cash payment to $25,000 per month and on January 1, 2024 to extend the expiration to March 31, 2024 and to increase the retainer for March 2024 to $49,000.

On April 11, 2024, the Company entered into another consulting agreement(the “2024 Pepose Consulting Agreement” and, together with the 2022 Pepose Consulting Agreement, the “Pepose Consulting Agreements”) with Dr. Pepose following the expiration of the 2022 Pepose Consulting Agreement. Pursuant to the 2024 Pepose Consulting Agreement, Dr. Pepose is paid a monthly consulting fee of $39,583. Additionally, Dr. Pepose received an award of 32,000 RSUs, as well as stock options to purchase 48,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The RSUs vested in 12 equal monthly installments that began on May 11, 2024 and concluded on April 11, 2025. The 2024 Pepose Consulting Agreement expired on April 11, 2025.

The Company incurred $119,000 and $99,000 consulting expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 related to the Pepose Consulting Agreements, respectively.

Subscription Agreements with Dr. George Magrath and Cam Gallagher

On March 21, 2025, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with each of Dr. George Magrath, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and Cam Gallagher, the chairman of the Board, in connection with a private offering of our securities. For more information, see Note 7 – Financings.

Consulting Agreement with Dr. Jean Bennett

In connection with Dr. Jean Bennett’s appointment as a member of the Board, effective October 22, 2024, she and the Company entered into a consulting agreement (the “Bennett Consulting Agreement”), pursuant to which Dr. Bennett will provide consulting services to the Company for aone-year period. Pursuant to the Bennett Consulting Agreement, Dr. Bennett was granted a restricted stock unit award with respect to 100,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, which award is scheduled to vest on October 22, 2025, subject to her continued service with the Company through such date; provided, that the award will vest in full if the Bennett Consulting Agreement is terminated due to a breach of the Bennett Consulting Agreement by the Company or termination by the Company for cause events. The Company incurred zero consulting expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 related to the Bennett Consulting Agreement, respectively.

Letter Agreement and Strategic Partnership—FFB

On August 25, 2022, Private Opus entered into a binding letter of agreement with FFB and the Jaeb Center for Health Research (“JCHR”) to collaborate on natural history studies involving individuals with retinal dystrophies associated with mutations in multiple genes of interest. Under the terms of the agreement, FFB and JCHR have the sole responsibility and authority to design and conduct the study, with input from the Company. Subject to certain conditions, the agreement requires that the Company provide FFB with a total of $2,000,000 of funding to support the study, such amount being payable in an initial installment of $400,000 at the time of submission of the final study protocol to the Institutional Review Board of the JCHR and, subject to certain conditions, infour annual installments of $400,000 on the anniversaries of such submission.

As of March 31, 2025, the Company is required to fundtwo additional installments in the aggregate of $800,000 and the obligation is reflected in accrued expenses and other liabilities as of March 31, 2025.

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6.Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock:

On October 22, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Certificate of Designation”) in connection with the Opus Acquisition. The Certificate of Designation provides for the authorization of 14,146 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, of which 14,145.374 Series A Preferred Stock were issued upon close of the Opus Acquisition. On April 30, 2025, the Company held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. During the 2025 Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders voted to approve the conversion of each share of Series A Preferred Stock into 1,000 shares of common stock. Subsequently, on May 5, 2025, all shares of Series A Preferred Stock were converted into 14,145,374 shares of common stock.

7.Financings

March 2025 Financings

On March 21, 2025, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Craig-Hallum Capital Group, LLC, as the sole underwriter (the “Underwriter”). Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company agreed to issue and sell, in an underwritten public offering (the “March 2025 Offering”),12,219,736 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to 21,052,631 shares of common stock (the “March 2025 Warrants”). Each share of common stock was sold together with one March 2025 Warrant to purchaseone share of common stock, at a price to the public of $0.95 per share and related March 2025 Warrant. The Company also issued 8,832,895 pre-funded warrants (“Pre-Funded Warrants”) at a price to the public of $0.9499 per Pre-funded Warrant.

On March 21, 2025, the Company entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with each of Dr. George Magrath, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and Cam Gallagher, the chairman of the Board. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a private offering (the “March 2025 Private Placement”), a total of 392,157 shares of common stock to Mr. Magrath and 784,314 shares of common stock to Mr. Gallagher, as well as 392,157 warrants to purchase shares of common stock to Mr. Magrath and 784,314 warrants to purchase shares of common stock to Mr. Gallagher (the “March 2025 Private Placement Warrants”). Each Private Placement Warrant has an initial exercise price of $1.15, expires on the five-year anniversary of the original issuance date and may be called by the Company 30 days following the release of the Company’s OPGx-BEST1 DUO-1001 Cohort 1 data upon achievement of a volume weighted average price of our common stock for 30 consecutive trading days of over $1.725 per share and the trading average daily volume for such 30 day period exceeds $150,000 per trading day.

The combined gross proceeds from the March 2025 Offering and the March 2025 Private Placement, which both closed on March 24, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), were approximately $21.5 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company in the amount of $1.9 million.

March 2025 Warrants

The March 2025 Warrants have an initial exercise price equal to $0.95 per share of common stock and are exercisable forfive years from the date of issuance. The exercise prices and numbers of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise are subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting the common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders. A holder may not exercise the March 2025 Warrant if, after giving effect to such exercise, the holder (together with its affiliates) would beneficially own (as determined in accordance with the terms of the March 2025 Warrants) more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder,9.99%) of the outstanding common stock immediately after giving effect to the exercise. Lastly, certain volatility provisions in the event of a fundamental transaction precluded the March 2025 Warrants from being considered indexed to the Company’s own stock, and as such, were classified on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as warrant liabilities.

The March 2025 Warrants are callable by the Company in certain circumstances. Subject to certain exceptions, in the event that the March 2025 Warrants are outstanding, if, after the Closing Date, (i) the Company has announced OPGx-BEST1 DUO-1001 Cohort 1 data, (ii) the volume weighted average price of the common stock for 30 consecutive trading days (the “Measurement Period”, which 30 consecutive trading day period shall not have commenced until after the initial exercise date) exceeds $1.425 (subject to adjustment), (iii) the trading average daily volume for such Measurement Period exceeds $150,000 per trading day and (iv) the March 2025 Warrant holder is not in possession of any information that constitutes or might constitute material non-public information which was provided by the Company, its subsidiaries or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents or affiliates, then the Company may, within one trading day of the end of such Measurement Period, upon notice, call for cancellation of all or any portion of the March 2025 Warrants for which a notice of exercise has not yet been delivered for consideration equal to $0.001 per March 2025 Warrant share.

In the event of a fundamental transaction, as defined in the Form of Warrant, the holders of the March 2025 Warrants will be entitled to receive upon exercise the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received had they exercised immediately prior to such fundamental transaction. Additionally, as more fully described in the Form of Warrant, in the event of certain fundamental transactions, the holders of the March 2025 Warrants will be entitled to receive consideration in an amount equal to the Black Scholes Value of the remaining unexercised portion of the March 2025 Warrants on the date of consummation of such fundamental transaction.

The fair value of the March 2025 Warrants at the time of issuance was $14.7 million and were recorded in the warrant liabilities line item in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets upon issuance. The fair value change during the three months ended March 31, 2025 was a benefit of $2,660,000 for three months ended March 31, 2025. The fair value of these instruments were based on a Monte Carlo simulation incorporating a volatility rate of 80% as of March 24, 2025 and March 31, 2025, a risk free rate of 4.0% and 3.9% as March 24, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, the market price of the Company’s common stock of $1.15 and $0.98 per share as of March 24, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, and other factors over a simulated term of 5 years. Transaction costs attributed to the March 2025 Warrants amounted to approximately $1.2 million and were recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss under financing costs.

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March 2025 Private Placement Warrants

The March 2025 Private Placement Warrants have an initial exercise price equal to $1.15 per share of common stock and are exercisable forfive years from the date of issuance. The March 2025 Private Placement Warrants are callable by the Company in certain circumstances. Subject to certain exceptions, in the event that the March 2025 Private Placement Warrants are outstanding, if, after the Closing Date, (i) the Company announced OPGx-BEST1 DUO-1001 Cohort 1 data, (ii) the volume weighted average price of the common stock for 30 consecutive trading days (the “Measurement Period”, which 30 consecutive trading day period shall not have commenced until after the initial exercise date) exceeds $1.725 (subject to adjustment), (iii) the trading average daily volume for such Measurement Period exceeds $150,000 per trading day and (iv) the March 2025 Private Placement Warrant holder is not in possession of any information that constitutes or might constitute material non-public information which was provided by the Company, its subsidiaries or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents or affiliates, then the Company may, within one trading day of the end of such Measurement Period, upon notice, call for cancellation of all or any portion of the March 2025 Private Placement Warrants for which a notice of exercise has not yet been delivered for consideration equal to $0.001 per March 2025 Private Placement Warrant share. Other terms under the March 2025 Private Placement Warrants are generally identical to the terms of the March 2025 Warrants discussed above. Lastly, certain volatility provisions in the event of a fundamental transaction precluded the March 2025 Private Placement Warrants from being considered indexed to the Company’s own stock, and as such, were classified on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as warrant liabilities.

The fair value of the March 2025 Private Placement Warrants at the time of issuance was $0.8 million and were recorded in the warrant liabilities line item in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets upon issuance. The fair value change during the three months ended March 31, 2025 was a benefit of $145,000. The fair value of these instruments were based on a Monte Carlo simulation incorporating a volatility rate of 80% as of March 24, 2025 and March 31, 2025, a risk free rate of 4.0% and 3.9% as March 24, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, the market price of the Company’s common stock of $1.15 and $0.98 per share as of March 24, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, and other factors over a simulated term offive years. Transaction costs attributed to the March 2025 Private Placement Warrants were de minimis and were recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss under financing costs.

Pre-Funded Warrants

The Pre-Funded Warrants have an exercise price of $0.0001 per share of common stock and are immediately exercisable and are exercisable at any time until exercised in full. The exercise prices and numbers of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise are subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting the common stock. A holder may not exercise the Pre-Funded Warrant if, after giving effect to such exercise, the holder (together with its affiliates) would beneficially own (as determined in accordance with the terms of the Pre-Funded Warrants) more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder,9.99%) of the outstanding common stock immediately after giving effect to the exercise. In the event of a fundamental transaction, as defined in the Form of Pre-Funded Warrant, the holders of the Pre-Funded Warrants will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received had they exercised the Pre-Funded Warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction.

The Pre-Funded Warrants were recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as additional paid-in capital.

Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement

On August 10, 2023, the Company entered into a common stock purchase agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”) for an equity line financing (the “Purchase Agreement”). The Purchase Agreement provided that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Company had the sole right, but not the obligation, to direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to $50 million of shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time over the 30-month term of the Purchase Agreement. Concurrently with entering into the Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with Lincoln Park (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to register the resale of the shares of the Company’s common stock that had been issued to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement pursuant to a registration statement. Lincoln Park has agreed not to cause or engage in any manner whatsoever in any direct or indirect short selling or hedging of the Company’s common stock.

A total ofzero and 150,000 shares were issued under the Purchase Agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, for net proceeds ofzero and $0.3 million, respectively. The Company incurred zero and de minimis issuance costs during the three months year ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

A total of 1,946,792 shares of the Company’s common stock were sold under the Purchase Agreement for net proceeds through March 31, 2025 in the amount of $5.2 million. Lastly, the Company incurred issuance costs of $1.4 million, consisting of investor expense reimbursement and legal costs through March 31, 2025.

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The pricing and settlement provisions in the Purchase Agreement resulted in the recognition of a derivative liability accounted for on a fair value basis under the provisions of ASC 815 -Derivatives and Hedging. A Monte Carlo simulation model was used to estimate future stock pricing and purchase activity to determine the fair value of the derivative liability. The fair value change in the derivative liability during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was de minimis. The fair value change in the derivative liability is recorded in the fair value change in deivative liabilities line item in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss during periods with valuation changes.

On April 2, 2025, the Company delivered written notice to Lincoln Park of its election to terminate the Purchase Agreement, effective as of April 3, 2025.

At-The-Market Program

On January 13, 2025, the Company filed a new prospectus supplement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the offer and sale of shares of its common stock, with an aggregate offering price of up to $40,000,000, establishing an at-the-market equity issuance program. On January 13, 2025, the Company also entered into a sales agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) by and between the Company and Leerink Partners LLC through or to which the Company will sell the Shares via an ATM program. Upon entry into the Sales Agreement, the Company terminated its prior ATM program pursuant to the Capital on Demand TM Sales Agreement dated March 11, 2021, by and between the Company and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC.

During the three months ended March 31, 2025,352,953 shares of common stock were sold under the Leerink ATM for gross proceeds of $0.4 million, before deducting issuance expenses, including the placement agent’s fees and legal and accounting expenses, in the amount of $0.2 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, under the prior ATM program pursuant to the Capital on Demand TM Sales Agreement dated March 11, 2021, by and between the Company and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC,850,550 shares of common stock were sold for gross proceeds of $2.2 million. Issuance expenses during the prior year period were $165,000. As of March 31, 2025,8,006,791 shares of common stock were sold under the ATM programs since their inception for gross proceeds in the amount of $26.8 million and issuance costs of $1.3 million.

Registered Direct Offering

On June 4, 2021, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement for a registered direct offering (“RDO”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”). Pursuant to the terms of the placement agency agreement, AGP on June 8, 2021 sold an aggregate of 3,076,923 shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 1,538,461 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “RDO Warrants”) at an offering price of $4.875 per one share and perone-half of each RDO Warrant. The RDO was made pursuant to the Company’s 2021 shelf registration.

The RDO Warrants have an exercise price of $6.09 per share, are exercisable from the initial issuance date of June 8, 2021, and will expire five years following the initial issuance date. As of March 31, 2025,1,538,461 RDO Warrants were outstanding andnone have been exercised since issuance.

Subject to limited exceptions, a holder of a RDO Warrant will not have the right to exercise any portion of its RDO Warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of a holder prior to the date of issuance,9.99%) of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise; provided that upon prior notice to the Company, the holder may increase or decrease the beneficial ownership limitation, provided further that in no event shall the beneficial ownership limitation exceed 9.99%.

Pre-Merger Financing

On June 17, 2020, the Company, Rexahn and certain investors entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, which was amended and restated in its entirety on June 29, 2020 (as amended and restated, the “Securities Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the investors invested a total of $21.15 million in cash, including $300,000 invested byfive directors of the Company prior to the Rexahn Merger andone director of Rexahn upon closing of the Rexahn Merger (the “Pre-Merger Financing”). The Pre-Merger Financing also included the issuance of Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants discussed further below.

Series A Warrants

The Series A Warrants were issued on November 19, 2020 at an initial exercise price of $4.4795 per share, were immediately exercisable upon issuance and have a term offive years from the date of issuance. The Series A Warrants are exercisable for 5,665,838 shares of common stock in the aggregate (without giving effect to any limitation on exercise contained therein) and were outstanding as of March 31, 2025. The Series A Warrants were accounted for and classified as equity on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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Warrant Activity and Summary

WarrantsExercise Price Per WarrantWeighted Average Exercise PriceWeighted Average Term (Years)
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 20247,204,299$4.48-6.09$4.821.00
Issued22,229,102$0.95-1.15$0.965.00
Exercised—$—$——
Expired—$—$——
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 202529,433,401$0.95-6.09$1.913.95

The following table summarizes information about warrants outstanding at March 31, 2025:

Exercise Price · Number Outstanding · Weighted Average Remaining Contractual life (Years) · Number Exercisable at March 31, 2025
$0.9521,052,6314.9921,052,631*
$1.151,176,4714.991,176,471*
$4.485,665,8380.645,665,838
$6.091,538,4611.191,538,461
Total29,433,40129,433,401
*Liability classified warrants inconnection with March 2025 Financings

The above tables exclude the 8,832,895 Pre-Funded Warrants issued in connection with the March 2025 Offering. The Pre-Funded Warrants were deemed as outstanding common stock for net loss per share purposes (See Note 11 – Net Loss per Share).

8.Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense was included in general and administrative and research and development costs as follows in the accompanying condensed statements of comprehensive loss for the three-month periods indicated below (in thousands):

March 31,
20252024
General and administrative$628$775
Research and development285210
Total stock-based compensation$913$985

Opus Stock Options

Inducement Plan

Effective as of October 20, 2024, the Company amended the Opus Genetics, Inc. 2021 Inducement Plan (the “Inducement Plan”) to reserve 2,625,258 shares of its common stock. The Inducement Plan is to be used exclusively for grants of awards to individuals who were not previously employees or directors of the Company, as an inducement material to the individual’s entry into employment with the Company within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

2020 Equity Incentive Plan

In November 2020, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) for stock-based awards. Under the 2020 Plan, (i)1,000,000 new shares of common stock were reserved for issuance and (ii) up to 70,325 additional shares of common stock may be issued, consisting of (A) shares that remain available for the issuance of awards under prior equity plans and (B) shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options or other awards covered by prior equity plans that have been cancelled or expire on or after the date that the 2020 Plan became effective. Under the 2020 Plan, the shares reserved automatically increase on January 1 of each year, for a period of not more thanten years from the date the 2020 Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company, commencing on January 1, 2021 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2030, by an amount equal to 5% of the shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year. The 2020 Plan permits the grant of incentive and nonstatutory stock options, appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock and cash awards, and other stock-based awards. On January 1, 2025,1,578,733 shares were added to the 2020 Plan as a result of its evergreen provision.

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

Prior to the 2020 Plan, the Company had adopted a 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) in April 2018 under which 1,175,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance to employees, directors and consultants. Upon the effective date of the 2020 Plan, no additional shares were available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.

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Stock Options

During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024,1,262,685 and 762,080 options were granted to officers, employees and consultants, respectively, generally vesting over a fifteen (15) to forty-eight (48) month period. The Company recognized $468,000 and $447,000 in stock-based compensation expense related to stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024,6,294,455 and 5,073,736 stock options were outstanding, respectively.

The weighted average fair value per share of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was $0.65 and $2.16, respectively. The Company measures the fair value of stock options with service-based vesting criteria to employees, directors, consultants and directors on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company does not have sufficient share trading history to support an internal calculation of volatility and expected term. As such, the Company has used a weighted average volatility considering the volatilities of several guideline companies.

For purposes of identifying similar entities, the Company considered characteristics such as industry, length of trading history, and stage of life cycle. The assumed dividend yield was based on the Company’s expectation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The average expected life of the options was based on the contractual term for agreements that allow for exercise of vested options through the end of the contractual term upon termination of continuous service, and for all other agreements, was based on the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term according to the “simplified method” as described in Staff Accounting Bulletin 110. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to implied yields available from U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. The Company records forfeitures when they occur.

The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are as follows during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

20252024
Expected stock price volatility75.8%97.5%
Expected life of options (years)6.06.1
Expected dividend yield—%—%
Risk free interest rate4.1%4.1%

During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024,324,483 and 164,555 stock options vested, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2025,5,000 options were exercised with an intrinsic value of $1,000. No options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2024. During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024,36,966 and 344,905 options were forfeited, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 748,833 and 313,364 restricted stock units (“RSUs”), respectively, to certain officers, employees and consultants under the 2020 Plan. The weighted average grant date fair value of the RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was $0.95 and $2.69 per unit, respectively. The RSU grants generally vest over afour-year period with 25 percent vesting annually on each anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued service on such dates.

During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024,102,676 and 39,282 RSUs vested, respectively, andzero and 82,670 RSUs were forfeited during these periods, respectively. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024,2,039,387 and 1,393,230 RSUs were outstanding, respectively.

The total expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 related to the RSUs was $339,000 and $293,000, respectively.

Common Stock Issued for Services

The Company granted stock for services in the amount of 84,243 and 81,234 common shares during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, totwo andfour board members during these periods, respectively, who elected to receive their board retainers in the form of stock for services. The weighted average fair value of the shares granted was $1.26 per share and $3.01 per share during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and were 100% vested upon issuance. The stock-based compensation related to these services amounted to $106,000 and $245,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

General

As of March 31, 2025,972,141 were available for future issuance under the 2020 Plan and Inducement Plan in the aggregate. No shares were available for future issuance under the 2018 Plan. Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost was $6.8 million as of March 31, 2025. The unrecognized stock-based expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

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9.Apexian Sublicense Agreement

On January 21, 2020, the Company entered into a sublicense agreement (as amended on June 4, 2020, the “Apexian Sublicense Agreement”) with Apexian, pursuant to which it obtained exclusive worldwide patent and other intellectual property rights that constitute a Ref-1 Inhibitor program relating to therapeutic applications to treat disorders related to ophthalmic and diabetes mellitus conditions. The lead compound in the Ref-1 Inhibitor program is APX3330, which the Company intends to develop as an oral tablet therapeutic to treat diabetic retinopathy initially, and potentially later to treat diabetic macular edema, geographic atrophy and age-related macular degeneration. In connection with the Apexian Sublicense Agreement, the Company issued a total of 891,422 shares of its common stock to Apexian and to certain affiliates of Apexian in calendar year 2020.

The Company also agreed to make one-time milestone payments under the Apexian Sublicense Agreement for each of the first ophthalmic indication and the first diabetes mellitus indication for the development and regulatory milestones, and once for each of several sales milestones. These milestone payments include (i) payments for specified developmental and regulatory milestones (including completion of the first Phase 2 trial and the first Phase 3 pivotal trial in the United States, and filing and achieving regulatory approval from the FDA for the first New Drug Application for a compound) totaling up to $11 million in the aggregate and (ii) payments for specified sales milestones of up to $20 million in the aggregate, which net sales milestone payments are payable once, upon the first achievement of such milestone. Lastly, the Company also agreed to make a royalty payment equal to a single-digit percentage of its net sales of products associated with the covered patents under the Apexian Sublicense Agreement. If it is not terminated pursuant to its terms, the Apexian Sublicense Agreement shall remain in effect until expiration of the last to expire of the covered patents.

None of themilestone or royalty payments were triggered or deemed probable as of March 31, 2025.

10.License and Collaboration Agreements

Viatris License Agreement

On November 6, 2022, the Company entered into the Viatris License Agreement, pursuant to which it granted Viatris (as successor to Famy) an exclusive, perpetual, sub-licensable license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize (i) PS, for treating (a) reversal of mydriasis, (b) night vision disturbances or dim light vision, and (c) presbyopia, and (ii) PS and low dose pilocarpine for treating presbyopia (together, the “PS Products”) worldwide except for certain countries and jurisdictions in Asia (the “Viatris Territory”). The Company retains the exclusive right to develop, manufacture, have manufactured, import, export and commercialize the PS Products outside of the Viatris Territory.

Under the terms of the Viatris License Agreement, the Company in partnership with Viatris, will develop the PS Products in the United States. Viatris will reimburse the Company for agreed-to budgeted costs related to the development of the PS Products through FDA approval, and then share costs above the agreed upon threshold amount. Viatris will be responsible for developing the PS Products in countries and jurisdictions in the Viatris Territory outside of the United States.

Pursuant to the Viatris License Agreement, the Company received a one-time non-refundable cash payment of $35 million in November 2022 for the exclusive, perpetual, sub-licensable license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize the PS Products in the Viatris Territory. In addition, with respect to the PS Products, the Company will be eligible to receive potential additional payments of up to $130 million upon achieving certain specified regulatory or net sales milestones, with the first milestone payment of $10 million already made following approval by the FDA of PS for reversal of mydriasis, which occurred during the third quarter of 2023. The Company will also receive tiered royalties, starting at low double-digit royalties up to low 20% royalties, based on the aggregate annual net sales of all PS Products in the United States, and will receive low double-digit royalties based on all annual net sales in the Viatris Territory outside of the United States. The royalty payments will continue on a country-by-country basis from the date of the first commercial sale of the first PS Product in a country of the Viatris Territory until December 31, 2040.

The Viatris License Agreement was accounted for under the provisions of ASC 606. In accordance with the provisions under ASC 606, the Company identifiedtwo distinct performance obligations at the effective date: (1) the license to its intellectual property (“license transfer”) and (2) research and development services.

The Company determined that the licenses transferred represented functional intellectual property. As such, the revenue related to the licenses was recognized at the point in time in which the license/know-how was delivered to Viatris which occurred during the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company determined that revenue related to the initial research and development services that were constrained to the 120-day non-cancellation period were to be recognized over time as the services were rendered based on an estimated percentage of completion input model. The initial research and development services were completed in the first quarter of 2023. Revenue related to the on-going research and development services are based on activities completed during the period.

Recognition of Revenue

Revenue recognized under the Viatris License Agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was $4.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, related to the output of ongoing research and development services and to a much lesser extent royalty payments.

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Regulatory Milestones under the Viatris License Agreement

The Company has evaluated the regulatory milestones that may be received in connection with the Viatris License Agreement. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the remaining regulatory milestones (aside from the approval by the FDA of RYZUMVI) will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the development of the PS Products. These remaining regulatory milestones will be constrained until it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

Sales Milestone and Royalty Payments

Sales milestones and royalties relate predominantly to a license of intellectual property granted to Viatris and are determined by sales or usage-based thresholds. The sales milestones and royalties are accounted for under the royalty recognition constraint and are accounted for as constrained variable consideration. The Company applies the royalty recognition constraint for each commercial milestone and only recognize revenues for each once a sale of a licensed product (achievement of each) occurs.

Each of the remaining regulatory and sales milestone performance obligations (aside from the $10 million milestone payment related to the FDA’s approval of PS in the third quarter of 2023) were constrained as of March 31, 2025 andno revenue was recognized related to these milestones.

A reconciliation of the closing balance of the contract assets and unbilled receivables associated with the Viatris License Agreement is as follows as of March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
Contract Assets and Unbilled Receivables
Balance as of beginning of three-month period$2,209$1,407
Revenue recognized4,3701,711
Reclassification to accounts receivable related to costs billed under the Viatris License Agreement(4,904)(1,924)
Balance as of end of three-month period$1,675$1,194

BioSense License and Assignment

On March 10, 2020, prior to the Rexahn Merger, Rexahn entered into an amendment to its collaboration and license agreement, (as amended, the “BioSense License and Assignment Agreement”) with BioSense to advance the development and commercialization of the Rexahn RX-3117 drug compound (“RX-3117”) for all human uses in the Republic of Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan (the “BioSense Territory”).

Under the BioSense License and Assignment Agreement, the Company is eligible to receive additional milestone payments in an aggregate of up to $84,500,000 upon the achievement of development, regulatory and commercial goals and will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties at low double-digit rates on annual net sales in the BioSense Territory. The Company determined that none of the milestone payments under the BioSense License and Assignment Agreement were probable of payment as of March 31, 2025, and as a result, no revenue related to the milestones was recognized, as the achievement of events entitling the Company to any milestone payments were highly susceptible to factors outside of the Company’s control. Future sales-based royalties related to the exclusive license to develop RX-3117 will be recognized in the period the underlying sales transaction occurs.

Payments received under the BioSense License and Assignment Agreement will be subject to the CVR Agreement described in Note 2 – Mergers.

Processa License Agreement

On June 16, 2021, the Company entered into a license agreement (the “Processa License Agreement”) with Processa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Processa”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to grant Processa an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize RX-3117 globally, excluding the BioSense Territory.

Processa will make future payments to the Company upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones. In addition, Processa will pay the Company mid-single-digit percentage royalties based on annual sales. The Company determined that none of the milestone payments under the Processa License Agreement were probable of payment as of March 31, 2025, and as a result, no revenue related to the milestones was recognized, as the achievement of events entitling the Company to any milestone payments were highly susceptible to factors outside of the Company’s control.

Future payments received under the Processa License Agreement will be subject to the CVR Agreement described in Note 2 – Mergers

SBIR Grant Agreement

In September 2024, Private Opus received a Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) grant through the Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of $0.9 million to be used on the development of the RHO product. This grant agreement survives the acquisition of Private Opus. Direct and allocated indirect costs for development activities are reimbursed on a draw-down basis as development activities are completed. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company recognized $24,000 of revenue related to the SBIR grant, recorded as other income, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

11.Net Loss per Share

Basic loss per share of common stock is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share of common stock is computed similarly to basic loss or earnings per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents, if dilutive. The Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, warrants, stock options and RSUs, while outstanding, are considered common stock equivalents for this purpose. Diluted earnings is computed utilizing the treasury method for the warrants, stock options and RSUs. Diluted earnings with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock utilizing the if-converted method was not applicable during the periods presented as no conditions required for conversion had occurred. No incremental common stock equivalents were included in calculating diluted loss per share because such inclusion would be anti-dilutive given the net loss reported for the periods presented.

Index

The following potential common shares were not considered in the net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive for the three-month periods ended presented below:

March 31,
20252024
Warrants29,433,4017,204,299
Stock options6,294,4554,827,433
RSUs2,039,387993,112
12.Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 waszero percent. As of March 31, 2025, a full valuation allowance has been established to reduce the Company’s net deferred income tax assets. As such, no tax benefit related to the Company’s pre-tax loss was recognized for any of the periods presented.

The Company’s corporate returns are subject to examination for tax years beginning in 2020 for federal income tax purposes and subject to examination in various state jurisdictions. The Company does not have any reserves for income taxes that represent the Company’s potential liability for uncertain tax positions.

13.Deferred Compensation Plan

Effective October 1st,2021, the Company began offering a 401(k) plan (“401 K Plan”) to its employees. All employees are eligible to participate in the 401 K Plan. The Company makes matching contributions equal to 100% on thefirst 3% of compensation that is deferred as an elective deferral and an additional 50% on the next 2% of compensation. The Company’s matching contributions are made on a payroll-by-payroll basis. During each of the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company contributed $0.1 million to the 401K Plan. The contributions are classified in the same line item as payroll costs attributed to the employees are in the accompanying condensed statements of comprehensive loss.

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