GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 31, 2026.
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FY2025 · Filed Mar 31, 2026
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY DISCUSSION
The Compensation Committee is responsible for creating and reviewing the compensation of the Company’s executive officers, as well as overseeing the Company’s compensation and benefit plans and policies and administering the Company’s equity incentive plans. The following Compensation Philosophy Discussion (“Compensation Discussion”) describes our 2025 executive compensation program and explains the Company’s compensation philosophy, policies, and practices, focusing primarily on the compensation of our named executive officers, or NEOs. This Compensation Discussion is intended to be read in conjunction with the tables that follow, which provide detailed historical compensation information for our following NEOs:
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Joel Lewis | Chief Executive Officer and President |
| Khurram Jamil, M.D. | Chief Medical Officer |
| Jack W. Callicutt | Chief Financial Officer |
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Compensation Philosophy
The Company believes in providing a competitive total compensation package to its executives through a combination of base salary, annual performance bonuses, and long-term equity awards. The executive compensation program is designed to achieve the following objectives:
provide competitive compensation that will help attract, retain and reward qualified executives;
align executives’ interests with our success by making a portion of the executive’s compensation dependent upon corporate performance; and
align executives’ interests with the interests of stockholders by including long-term equity incentives.
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The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s executive compensation program should include annual and long-term components, including cash and equity-based compensation, and should reward consistent performance that meets or exceeds expectations. The Compensation Committee evaluates both performance and compensation to make sure that the compensation provided to executives remains competitive relative to compensation paid by companies of similar size and stage of development operating in the life sciences industry and taking into account the Company’s relative performance and its own strategic objectives.
Executive Compensation Review and Design
The Company has historically conducted a review of the level of its executive compensation, as well as the mix of elements used to compensate its NEOs. The Company has based this review primarily on the experience of the members of the Compensation Committee and our Board, many of whom sit on the boards of directors of, or have previously advised, numerous companies, including companies in the life sciences industry.
At our last “Say-on-Pay vote” held at our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders approximately 96% of votes cast were in favor of the compensation of our NEOs, as disclosed in the proxy materials for the 2025 annual meeting. At our 2025 annual meeting, the holders of approximately 84% of our outstanding common stock voting on the matter voted in favor of holding the stockholder advisory vote every three years. As a result of such vote, our Board decided to hold the “Say-on-Pay” advisory vote every three years. Accordingly, the Company’s next “Say-on-Pay” advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs will be held at our 2028 annual meeting of stockholders.
Several years ago, the Compensation Committee undertook a review of our compensation policies and practices and retained the compensation consulting firm of Barney & Barney LLC to provide compensation information and analysis with respect to the life science and healthcare industry and with respect to our peer companies within the industry. Barney & Barney LLC reviewed information from industry and other sources, surveys and databases, including publicly-available compensation information of other companies with which we compete, to gauge the competitiveness of our compensation programs. Barney & Barney LLC then reported its findings to the Compensation Committee, with recommendations to bring the Company’s executive compensation closer to the 50 th percentile of the total compensation of our competitor companies. These findings continued to inform the Compensation Committee’s decisions on compensation in subsequent years, including 2025.
The Compensation Committee may use a compensation consultant in the future and will take into account publicly-available data relating to the compensation practices and policies of other companies within and outside our industry. The Compensation Committee designed its 2025 executive compensation program to prioritize retaining key executives and non-executive employees following the completion of the Company’s NAVIGATE trial.
Elements of Executive Compensation
The compensation program for the Company’s NEOs consists principally of three components:
base salary;
performance and retention bonuses;
long-term compensation in the form of equity-based awards.
Base Salary
Base salary is the only fixed-pay component in our executive compensation program. Base salaries for the NEOs are initially established through arm’s-length negotiation at the time the NEO is hired, taking into account such NEO’s qualifications, experience, prior salary, the scope of his or her responsibilities, and known competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions within the industry. Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted from time to time to realign salaries with market levels after taking into account individual responsibilities, performance, and experience. In making decisions regarding salary increases, the Company may also draw upon the experience of members of the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors, many of whom sit on the boards of directors of, or have previously advised, numerous companies, including companies in the life sciences industry. The Compensation Committee has not previously applied specific formulas to determine increases. This strategy is consistent with the Company’s intent of offering base salaries that are cost-effective while remaining competitive.
| Name · 2025 Base Salary · 2024 Base Salary | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Lewis | $624,000 | $624,000 | |
| Khurram Jamil, M.D. (2) | $500,000 | $500,000 | (1) |
| Jack W. Callicutt | $400,000 | $400,000 | |
(1)
Dr. Jamil joined the Company in March 2024 and was promoted to Chief Medical Officer effective August 1, 2024 and his base salary was adjusted to $500,000.
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Performance Bonuses
In addition to the payment of base salaries, the Company believes that annual performance bonuses can play an important role in providing appropriate incentives to its NEOs to achieve the Company’s strategic objectives.
In prior years, performance bonuses were awarded based on the Company’s Employee Short-Term and Long-Term Incentive Program (the “Program”), which was adopted for executives and employees of the Company. The Program is a performance-based program and was adopted in recognition of the importance of aligning executive and employee interests with that of our stockholders. Our Program is designed to reward the efforts of our executives and employees and to be competitive in attracting and retaining them. There are two elements of the Program: (1) a short-term incentive in the form of cash bonuses and (2) a long-term incentive in the form of stock option grants. The cash bonus incentive is targeted to be up to 30% to 50% of the NEO’s base salary as of the end of the applicable year. Half of each NEO’s annual performance bonus is based upon achievement of the Company’s documented performance objectives for the year and the other half is based upon achievement of individual performance objectives set for the year. The 2025 performance bonuses payments were split with half paid in January 2026 and half to be paid in March 2026, if the employee had not voluntarily resigned by that date.
| Name | PerformanceBonusAmount | Awarded AmountAs % of Base Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Joel Lewis | $312,000 | 50% |
| Khurram Jamil, M.D. | $150,000 | 30% |
| Jack W. Callicutt | $120,000 | 30% |
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
The Company believes that by providing its NEOs the opportunity to increase their ownership of Company stock, the interests of its NEOs will be more closely-aligned with the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and it will encourage long-term performance. The stock awards enable the NEOs to participate in the appreciation in the value of the Company’s stock, while personally participating in the risks of business setbacks.
Under the long-term incentive portion of the Program, the NEOs are granted options based upon achievement of the Company performance and individual performance objectives and rank in the Company. All option grants under the Program through December 2019 were made under the 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan. Grants made after January 1, 2020, were made pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.
On January 23, 2025, Mr. Lewis, Dr. Jamil and Mr. Callicutt were awarded the options noted below based on 2024 performance. For the performance options, 25% vest on each of June 30, 2025, December 31, 2025, June 30, 2026, and December 31, 2026. The exercise price of the options is set at the closing price of our stock as of the grant date.
| Name | Grant Date | Number of SecuritiesUnderlying Options | Exercise Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Lewis | 1/23/2025 | 91,000 | $1.23 |
| Khurram Jamil | 1/24/2025 | 65,000 | $1.23 |
| Jack W. Callicutt | 1/24/2025 | 65,000 | $1.23 |
Also, on January 23, 2025, Mr. Lewis, Dr. Jamil and Mr. Callicutt were granted restricted stock units of 84,000, 60,000 and 60,000 shares, respectively. The restricted stock units vested on January 1, 2026.
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Material Terms of Employment Contracts of Named Executive Officers
Set forth below are descriptions of the principal terms of the employment agreements for each of our NEOs. Each employment agreement provides for post-termination restrictive covenants and payments due upon termination of employment or change in control of the Company, which is provided in further detail under the section entitled “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”
Joel Lewis, Chief Executive Officer
In connection with the appointment of Mr. Lewis, the Company and Mr. Lewis entered into an employment agreement, dated August 31, 2020 (the “Employment Agreement”), and a Deferred Stock Unit Agreement, dated August 31, 2020 (the “DSU Agreement”). The Employment Agreement has an initial term of two years and automatically renews for additional one-year terms thereafter, unless either Mr. Lewis or the Company elects not to renew. Mr. Lewis will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective as of September 2, 2020 (the “Start Date”), and will be paid an annual base salary of $500,000. Under the terms of the Employment Agreement, 20% of his base salary will be paid in cash, and 80% will be paid in the form of deferred-stock-units (“DSUs”) in accordance with the terms and subject to the provisions set forth in the DSU Agreement. In addition, Mr. Lewis is entitled to participate in the Company’s performance bonus plan with a potential of up to 50% of his annual base salary, which will also be paid 20% in cash and 80% in DSU’s. Further, Mr. Lewis received on the date of the agreement an initial grant of options to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, which options shall vest one-twelfth on a quarterly basis for twelve consecutive quarters, such that the options shall be fully vested twelve quarters following the date of grant (the “Award”). The options under the Award shall be issued pursuant to the Company’s 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Lewis is also eligible to receive healthcare benefits as may be provided from time to time by the Company to its employees generally, to participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan and to receive paid time off annually in accordance with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time. Finally, pursuant to the Employment Agreement, the Company will be required to furnish a lump sum cash payment to Mr. Lewis upon a termination of Mr. Lewis without “Cause” or upon Mr. Lewis’ resignation for “Good Reason” as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement or in the event the Company gives notice of non-renewal on or before September 30, 2023. The Employment Agreement includes customary intellectual property, assignment, and other representations by Mr. Lewis.
On July 25, 2022, we entered into amendments to the Employment Agreement and DSU Agreement with Mr. Lewis. Pursuant to the amendments, Mr. Lewis’ base salary earned in 2023 will be paid 20% in cash and 80% in DSUs. Additionally, the term of the Employment Agreement was extended until December 31, 2024. Unless either party gives written notice of non-renewal at least 60 days prior to December 31, 2024, the amended employment agreement will automatically renew for an additional twelve months. Also, if either Mr. Lewis terminates his employment for Good Reason (ii) the Company terminates Mr. Lewis’s employment without Cause, or if this Employment Agreement expires as a result of the Company giving written notice of non-renewal, then the Company shall pay to Mr. Lewis (1) any accrued benefits, (2) a lump sum amount equal to twelve (12) months of Mr. Lewis’s base salary payable within thirty (30) days after the date of such termination, and (3) the performance bonus, if any, for the year in which termination occurs, based on actual individual and Company performance results and multiplied by a fraction, (A) the numerator of which shall be the number of days elapsed from the beginning of the fiscal year in which such termination occurs and (B) the denominator of which shall be 365; provided, however, that the portion of the performance bonus payable in the form of DSUs, will be paid in accordance with the terms of the DSU Award Agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payments described in clauses above are expressly conditioned upon Mr. Lewis executing returning a full release of the Company and its affiliates and from all obligations and any usual and customary indemnification obligations of the Company to Mr. Lewis as an officer thereof.
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The Deferred Stock Unit Agreement with Mr. Lewis specifies that 20% of his base salary and performance bonuses will be paid in cash, and 80% will be paid in the form of deferred stock units (“DSUs”) through December 31, 2022 in accordance with the terms and subject to the provisions set forth in the DSU Agreement. DSUs credited to Mr. Lewis as of any date shall be fully vested and nonforfeitable at all times. Pursuant to an amendment to the DSU Agreement in July 2022, the Company shall issue the shares earned through December 31, 2022 underlying the outstanding whole number of DSUs credited to Mr. Lewis as follows: twenty five percent shall be issued on March 1, 2023, fifty percent shall be issued on March 1, 2024 and twenty five percent shall be issued on September 1, 2028. On March 1, 2023, twenty five percent of the DSU’s were issued to Mr. Lewis in accordance with the DSU Agreement. A total of 183,900 shares were due to be issued; however, 75,529 shares were withheld to cover income tax withholding of $156,345 resulting in 108,371 shares actually issued. Additionally, a 2023 DSU Agreement was executed in July 2022, whereby Mr. Lewis would continue to receive 20% of salary in cash and 80% in DSUs for 2023. The shares under the 2023 DSU Agreement are to be issued fifty percent on March 1, 2025 and fifty percent on January 5, 2026.
Khurram Jamil, M.D., Chief Medical Officer
On August 1, 2024, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Dr. Jamil (the “Jamil Employment Agreement”), which governs the terms of Dr. Jamil’s employment in his position as the Company’s Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Jamil will serve as the Chief Medical Officer of the Company during an initial term that commences on August 1, 2024 (the “Commencement Date”) and expires on August 1, 2025 (the “Initial Term”). Following the Initial Term, the term of the Agreement automatically renews for successive twelve (12) month terms unless either party provides the other party with notice of non-renewal at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term. Under the Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Dr. Jamil a base salary of $500,000 per year (the “Base Salary”). Provided that certain performance objectives are met, Dr. Jamil will also be entitled to receive an annual performance bonus equal to thirty percent (30%) of the Base Salary (the “Performance Bonus”). Subject to certain restrictions described in the Agreement, Dr. Jamil was granted options to purchase 100,000 shares (the “Options”) of the Company’s common stock and restricted stock units for 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. The Options vest as follows: twenty-five percent (25%) of the Options shall vest upon each of October 31, 2024; January 31, 2025; April 30, 2025; and July 31, 2025. The restricted stock units vesting only would occur if the Company presented top-line results from its NAVIGATE clinical trial by the end of 2024. The restricted stock units vested on December 20, 2024.
Prior to his appointment as Chief Medical Officer, on March 11, 2024, Dr. Jamil joined the Company as vice president of clinical development and medical director. His annual salary was $400,000. He also was granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock which vest one-third at each of the first three anniversaries of his employment date. Additionally, he was granted restricted stock units for 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The restricted stock units vesting only would occur if the Company presented top-line results from its NAVIGATE clinical trial by the end of 2024. The restricted stock units vested on December 20, 2024.
Jack W. Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Callicutt dated July 1, 2013 (the “Callicutt Employment Agreement”), in conjunction with Mr. Callicutt’s appointment as our Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the terms of the Callicutt Employment Agreement, Mr. Callicutt received an initial base salary of $175,000 and was eligible to receive a performance bonus equal to 20% of his base salary. Effective March 31, 2015, Mr. Callicutt’s annual base salary was increased to $240,000, and his annual base salary was increased again to $260,000 in February 2016. In June 2018, Mr. Callicutt’s annual base salary increased to $285,000. He also received a signing bonus of $10,000. In addition to his cash compensation, the Company awarded Mr. Callicutt a grant of options to purchase 200,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on July 1, 2013, with 25,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2013, 50,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2014, 50,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2015 and 75,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2016. The options were granted pursuant to the 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan and expire ten years after the date of grant.
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On August 11, 2017, we entered into an amendment to the Callicutt Employment Agreement with Mr. Callicutt (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, (i) Mr. Callicutt’s target bonus opportunity was increased to 30% of his base salary and (ii) an error in the severance provision of the Callicutt Employment Agreement was corrected. Prior to the Amendment, the Callicutt Employment Agreement did not provide for any severance if Mr. Callicutt’s employment was terminated by the Company “without cause,” or by Mr. Callicutt for “good reason” after the date that was 24 months after the Commencement Date.
Employee Benefits & Perquisites
From time to time, the Company has provided the NEOs with employee benefits and perquisites that our Board believes are reasonable. Our NEOs are eligible to participate in the same broad-based employee benefit plans that are offered to our other employees, such as health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance and a 401(k) plan. These benefits are provided as part of the basic conditions of employment for all of our employees, and therefore providing them to our NEOs does not represent a significant incremental cost to us. The Company does not view employee benefits and perquisites as a significant element of its comprehensive compensation structure, but does believe they can be useful in attracting, motivating, and retaining the executive talent for which the Company competes. The Company believes that these additional benefits may assist the NEOs in performing their duties and provide time efficiencies for the NEOs in appropriate circumstances, and the Company may consider providing additional employee benefits and perquisites in the future. All future practices regarding employee benefits and perquisites will be approved and subject to periodic review by the Compensation Committee.
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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes the compensation paid to our NEOs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
| Name and Principal Position | Year (2) | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) (2) | Stock Compensation Awards ($) (1) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Lewis, Chief Executive Officer & President | 2025 | 624,000 | 312,000 | 182,763 | 56,019(3) | 1,174,782 |
| 2024 | 620,167 | 312,000 | 202,635 | 54,872(4) | 1,189,674 | |
| Khurram Jamil, M.D., Chief Medical Officer (5) | 2025 | 500,000 | 350,000 | 130,545 | 71,583(6) | 1,052,128 |
| 2024 | 365,909 | 120,625 | 398,500 | 60,813(7) | 945,847 | |
| Jack W. Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer | 2025 | 400,000 | 220,000 | 130,545 | 56,019(8) | 806,564 |
| 2024 | 397,333 | 120,000 | 144,740 | 54,872(9) | 716,945 |
(1)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units and option awards made during 2025 and 2024 computed in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC, as modified of supplemented. Option awards fair values were calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model. For a description of the assumptions used to determine these amounts, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
(2)
Performance bonuses for 2025 and 2024 were approved in January 2026 and January 2025, respectively. Also includes retention bonuses in 2025 of $200,000 for Dr. Jamil and $100,000 for Mr. Callicutt.
(3)
Includes $42,019 for health and other insurance and $14,000 for 401(k) plan contributions.
(4)
Includes $41,072 for health and other insurance and $13,800 for 401(k) plan contributions.
(5)
Dr. Jamil joined the company in March 2024 as vice president of clinical development and was promoted to Chief Medical Officer effective August 1, 2024.
(6)
Includes $57,583 for health and other insurance and $14,000 for 401(k) plan contributions.
(7)
Includes $47,146 for health and other insurance and $13,667 for 401(k) plan contributions.
(8)
Includes $42,019 for health and other insurance and $14,000 for 401(k) plan contributions.
(9)
Includes $41,072 for health and other insurance and $13,800 for 401(k) plan contributions.
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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END 2025
The following table sets forth information regarding all outstanding equity awards held by the NEOs at December 31, 2025. The exercise price of the options is set at the closing price of our stock at the date prior to or as of the date of grant. Outstanding options have been approved by our Compensation Committee and our Board.
| Option Awards · Stock Awards | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name · Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable · Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable · Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) · Option Exercise Price ($) · Option Expiration Date · Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) · Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) · Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) · Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) | ||||||||
| Joel Lewis | 35,000(1) | — | 4.72 | 01/16/2029 | — | — | — | — |
| 32,171(2) | — | 2.86 | 01/09/2030 | |||||
| 250,000(3) | — | 2.65 | 08/31/2030 | |||||
| 70,000(4) | — | 2.11 | 03/25/2031 | |||||
| 140,000(5) | — | 2.11 | 03/25/2031 | |||||
| 70,000(6) | — | 1.98 | 01/24/2032 | |||||
| 70,000(7) | — | 1.11 | 01/26/2033 | |||||
| 91,000(8) | — | 1.72 | 01/24/2034 | |||||
| 45,500(9) | 45,500(9) | 1.23 | 01/23/2035 | |||||
| Khurram Jamil, M.D. | 2,037(10) | 100,000(10) | 2.20 | 03/20/2034 | — | — | — | — |
| 50,000(11) | 2.50 | 08/01/2034 | ||||||
| 8,125(9) | 32,500(9) | 1.23 | 01/23/2035 | |||||
| Jack W. Callicutt | 90,000(12) | — | 5.87 | 01/15/2028 | — | — | — | — |
| 90,000(13) | — | 4.16 | 05/22/2028 | |||||
| 50,000(14) | — | 4.72 | 01/16/2029 | |||||
| 50,000(15) | — | 2.86 | 01/09/2030 | |||||
| 50,000(5) | — | 2.11 | 03/25/2031 | |||||
| 100,000(6) | — | 2.11 | 03/25/2031 | |||||
| 65,000(8) | 1.72 | 01/24/2034 | ||||||
| 16,250(9) | 32,500(9) | 1.23 | 01/23/2035 | |||||
(1)
100% of the options vested in full on January 16, 2020.
(2)
100% of the options vested in full on December 31, 2020.
(3)
One-twelfth of the total options vested quarterly from August 31, 2020, which was the grant date.
(4)
25% of the options vested on September 30, 2021, 25% vested on March 31, 2022, 25% vested on September 30, 2022, 25% vest on March 31, 2023.
(5)
100% of the options vested on December 20, 2024 when the Company received the top-line results of the NAVIGATE clinical trial and made a public announcement of such results.
(6)
25% of the options vested on June 30, 2022, 25% vested on December 31, 2022, 25% vested on June 30, 2023, 25% vested on December 31, 2023.
(7)
25% of the options vested on June 30, 2023, 25% vested on December 31, 2023, 25% vested on June 30, 2024, 25% vested on December 31, 2024.
(8)
25% of the options vested on June 30, 2024, 25% vested on December 31, 2024, 25% vest on June 30, 2025, 25% vest on December 31, 2025.
(9)
25% of the options vested on June 30, 2025, 25% vested on December 31, 2025, 25% vest on June 30, 2026, 25% vest on December 31, 2026.
(10)
One third of the options vest on each of March 11, 2025, March 11, 2026, and March 11, 2027.
(11)
25% of the options vest on each of October 31, 2024, January 31, 2025, April 30, 2025, and July 31, 2025.
(12)
25% of the options vested on January 15, 2018 (grant date), 25% vested on June 30, 2018, and 50% vested on December 31, 2018.
(13)
25% of the options vested on June 30, 2018, 25% vested on September 30, 2018, and 50% vested on December 31, 2018.
(14)
25% of the options vested on June 30, 2019, 25% vested on December 31, 2019, 25% vested on June 30, 2020, and 25% vested on December 31, 2020.
(15)
25% of the options vested on June 30, 2020, 25% vested on December 31, 2020, 25% vested on June 30, 2021, and 25% vested on December 31, 2021.
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2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
Under the 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, if there is a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation or a sale of substantially all of the Company’s stock (a “Corporate Transaction”), and the outstanding awards are not assumed by surviving company (or its parent company) or replaced with economically equivalent awards granted by the surviving company (or its parent company), the Company will cancel any outstanding awards that are not vested and nonforfeitable as of the consummation of such Corporate Transaction (unless the Company accelerates the vesting of any such awards) and with respect to any vested and nonforfeitable awards, the Company may either (i) allow all grantees to exercise options and SARs within a reasonable period prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction and cancel any outstanding options or SARs that remain unexercised upon consummation of the Corporate Transaction, or (ii) cancel any or all of such outstanding awards (including options and SARs) in exchange for a payment (in cash, or in securities or other property) in an amount equal to the amount that the grantee would have received (net of the exercise price with respect to any options or SARs) if the vested awards were settled or distributed or such vested options and SARs were exercised immediately prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction. If an exercise price of the option or SAR exceeds the fair market value of our Common Stock and the option or SAR is not assumed or replaced by the surviving company (or its parent company), such options and SARs will be cancelled without any payment to the grantee.
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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control
Joel Lewis:
If either Mr. Lewis terminates his employment for Good Reason (ii) the Company terminates Mr. Lewis’s employment without Cause, or if this Employment Agreement expires as a result of the Company giving written notice of non-renewal, then the Company shall pay to Mr. Lewis (1) any accrued benefits, (2) a lump sum amount equal to twelve (12) months of Mr. Lewis’s base salary payable within thirty (30) days after the date of such termination, and (3) the performance bonus, if any, for the year in which termination occurs, based on actual individual and Company performance results and multiplied by a fraction, (A) the numerator of which shall be the number of days elapsed from the beginning of the fiscal year in which such termination occurs and (B) the denominator of which shall be 365; provided, however, that the portion of the performance bonus payable in the form of DSUs, will be paid in accordance with the terms of the DSU Award Agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payments described in clauses above are expressly conditioned upon Mr. Lewis executing returning a full release of the Company and its affiliates and from all obligations and any usual and customary indemnification obligations of the Company to Mr. Lewis as an officer thereof.
Under the Deferred Stock Unit Agreement, if a Change in Control of the Company occurs prior to the date on which Mr. Lewis is scheduled to receive shares and cash in an installment payment or in a lump sum (a “Settlement Date”), Mr. Lewis’ account will be credited with the consideration payable in such Change in Control with respect to the shares subject to the DSUs then credited to Mr. Lewis’ Account immediately prior to such Change in Control. If Mr. Lewis’ employment with the Company continues after a Change in Control, Mr. Lewis’ account will be credited with the cash value of the portion of his base salary and annual performance bonus that would have been credited in the form of DSUs but for the Change in Control. The portion of Mr. Lewis’ Account denominated in cash pursuant to the preceding sentence (i.e., the amount attributable to base salary and annual performance bonuses credited to Mr. Lewis’ Account after the Change in Control) shall be credited with interest at three (3%) percent compounded annually. For avoidance of doubt, a Change in Control shall not result in acceleration of the settlement of Mr. Lewis’ Account and the payment of all amounts or other property credited to Mr. Lewis’ Account in connection with the Change in Control shall be paid or delivered to Mr. Lewis on as soon as reasonably practicable after the Settlement Date.
Khurram Jamil, M.D.:
Under the Employment Agreement with Dr. Jamil, if (i) Dr. Jamil terminates the Agreement for Good Reason (as defined in the Agreement) or (ii) the Company terminates the Agreement without Cause (as defined in the Agreement), then the Company shall pay to Dr. Jamil: (1) the Base Salary accrued through the date of termination, (2)(A) if termination occurs within twelve (12) months of the Commencement Date, an amount equal to three (3) months of the Base Salary, or (B) if such termination occurs after the twelve-month anniversary of the Commencement Date, but prior to the eighteen-month anniversary of the Commencement Date, an amount equal to six (6) months of the Base Salary or (C) if termination occurs after the eighteen-month anniversary of the Commencement Date, but prior to the twenty four-month anniversary of the Commencement Date, an amount equal to nine (9) months of Base Salary or (D) if termination occurs after the twenty four-month anniversary of the Commencement Date, an amount equal to twelve (12) months of the Base Salary, (3) reimbursement of unreimbursed expenses and (4) payment of a portion of the Performance Bonus.
If, within the period ending twelve (12) months after the date of a Change of Control, Dr. Jamil’s employment with the Company is (i) terminated without Cause or (ii) terminated for Good Reason by Dr. Jamil, the Company shall pay to Dr. Jamil (A) the Base Salary accrued through the date of termination, to the extent not theretofore paid, (B) Jamil of any unreimbursed expenses, (C) a pro-rated amount of the Performance Bonus assuming payout at maximum performance and (D) an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Base Salary, payable in a lump sum no later than thirty (30) days following such termination. Upon any such Change of Control, Dr. Jamil’s unvested Options shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested, but shall otherwise continue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable stock option agreement.
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Jack Callicutt:
Mr. Callicutt’s Employment Agreement provides that if, within the period ending twelve (12) months after the date of a Change of Control, Mr. Callicutt’s employment with the Company is (i) without Cause by the Company (or by the acquiring or successor business entity following a Change of Control), or (ii) terminated for Good Reason by Mr. Callicutt, the Company shall pay to Mr. Callicutt (A) the Base Salary accrued through the date of termination, to the extent not theretofore paid, (B) reimbursement of any unreimbursed expenses, (C) a portion of the amount of the Performance Bonus (as defined in the Employment Agreement) equal to the maximum amount of the Performance Bonus multiplied by a fraction, (X) the numerator of which shall be the number of days elapsed from the beginning of the calendar year in which such termination occurs and (Y) the denominator of which shall be the total number of days in the calendar year in which such termination occurs (being 365 in a full year) and (D) an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Mr. Callicutt’s Base Salary, payable in a lump sum no later than thirty (30) days following such termination. Upon any such Change of Control, Mr. Callicutt’s unvested options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested, but shall otherwise continue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the Stock Option Agreement. However, if, in connection with a transaction that technically meets, or may meet, the definition of Change of Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Callicutt’s employment by the Company or a successor to the Company is terminated, but Mr. Callicutt is immediately re-hired as an employee of a successor to the Company or surviving company in such a transaction in a comparable position, with the same or greater total annual cash compensation, including bonus potential, and with an employment agreement containing substantially equivalent provisions as this Agreement with respect to termination of the Mr. Callicutt and severance, no benefits shall be payable under the Change of Control provision of the Employment Agreement.
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table details the total compensation earned by our non-employee directors during the year ended December 31, 2025.
| Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Restricted Stock Awards ($) (1) | Option Awards ($) (2) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | All Other Compensation ($) (3) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D. | 55,500 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 107,760 |
| Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D. | 40,000 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 92,260 |
| Kary Eldred | 47,500 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 99,760 |
| Kevin D. Freeman | 56,000 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 108,260 |
| Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D. | 50,000 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 102,260 |
| Marc Rubin, M.D. | 43,500 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 75,760 |
| Elissa J. Schwartz, Ph.D. | 43,500 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 95,760 |
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. | 40,000 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 92,260 |
| Richard Uihlein | — | 40,000 | 52,260 | — | — | 92,260 |
| Richard A. Zordani | 55,000 | — | 52,260 | — | — | 107,260 |
(1)
Mr. Uihlein elected to receive restricted stock in lieu of cash retainer for their service. The restricted shares vested in full on December 31, 2025.
(2)
Represents the grant date fair value of option awards based upon the Black Scholes valuation model made in 2026. The option grants were made on January 24, 2024. Each non-employee director received one grant of 60,000 options which will vest in full on December 31, 2025. For a description of the assumptions used to determine these amounts, see Note 9 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.
(3)
Excludes travel expense reimbursements.
| Name | Number of Shares Subject to Option Awards Held as of December 31,2025 |
|---|---|
| Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D. | 375,000 |
| Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D. | 210,000 |
| Kary Eldred | 401,875 |
| Kevin D. Freeman | 463,125 |
| Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D. | 478,750 |
| Marc Rubin, M.D. | 404,565 |
| Elissa J. Schwartz, Ph.D. | 300,000 |
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. | 435,000 |
| Richard Uihlein | 366,362 |
| Richard A. Zordani | 300,000 |
| TOTAL | 3,734,677 |
For a more detailed description of the assumptions used for purposes of determining grant date fair value, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Stock-Based Compensation” included herein the Form 10-K for the 2025 fiscal year.
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We also reimburse our directors for reasonable travel and other related expenses.
Pursuant to the Company’s cash compensation program for directors, non-employee directors of the Company will receive an annual cash retainer of $40,000. Each Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee member will receive an additional cash retainer of $3,500; each Compensation Committee member will receive an additional cash retainer of $5,000; and each Audit Committee member will receive an additional cash retainer of $7,500. In addition to the annual fee and committee membership retainers, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairman will receive an annual cash retainer of $3,500; the Compensation Committee Chairman will receive an annual cash retainer of $5,000; and the Audit Committee Chairman will receive an annual cash retainer of $7,500.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.