JUPITER NEUROSCIENCES, INC.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Apr 1, 2026.
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FY2025 · Filed Apr 1, 2026
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
2025 Summary Compensation Table
The following summary compensation table provides information regarding the compensation earned during our fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 to certain of our executive officers, who we collectively refer to as our “named executive officers” or “NEOs”.
| Name and Principal Position · Year · Salary ($) · Bonus ($) · Stock Awards ($) · Option Awards ($)(1) · Non- Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) · Non- qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) · All Other Compensation ($) · Total ($) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christer Rosén | 2025 | 441,000 | 210,000 | - | - | - | - | 20,407 | (2) | $671,407 | |
| Chief Executive Officer | 2024 | 134,750 | - | - | - | - | - | 19,326 | (2) | $154,076 | |
| Saleem Elmasri | 2025 | 240,000 | 72,000 | - | 102,128 | (3) | - | - | - | $414,128 | |
| Chief Financial Officer | 2024 | 127,006 | - | - | - | - | - | - | $127,006 | ||
| Marshall Hayward | 2025 | 176,400 | 50,000 | - | - | - | - | 16,145 | (4) | $242,445 | |
| Chief Scientific Officer | 2024 | 107,800 | - | - | - | - | - | - | $107,800 | ||
| Alexander Rosén | 2025 | 252,000 | 72,000 | - | - | - | - | 15,665 | (4) | $339,665 | |
| Chief Administration Officer | 2024 | 77,000 | - | - | - | - | - | 26,655 | (4) | $103,655 | |
| Alison Silva | 2025 | 315,000 | 45,000 | - | 255,320 | (3) | - | - | 16,779 | (5) | $632,099 |
| Chief Business Officer and President | 2024 | 96,250 | - | - | - | - | - | 42,294 | (5) | $138,544 | |
| (1) | Amounts reflect the aggregate grant-date fair value of stock awards computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. See Note 6 – Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) – Stock Options. |
| (2) | Includes healthcare benefits and 401(k) contribution of $20,407 and $19,326, respectively, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. |
| (3) | On July 2, 2025, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors (the “Compensation Committee”) of Jupiter Neurosciences, Inc. (the “Company”), after review of the Company’s Final 2025 Budget, approved equity incentives to compensate certain officers of the Company for their role in the success of the Company’s initial public offering completed in December 2024 and their willingness to forgo additional compensation and forgive debts owed to them by the Company. The equity incentives approved by the Compensation Committee consisted of stock options granted to the following individuals pursuant to the Company’s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan: Alison Silva, Chief Business Officer, received a grant of 255,320 options and Saleem Elmasri, Chief Financial Officer, received a grant of 102,128 options. The stock options have an exercise price of $1.19 per share, representing the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on the date of grant. The stock options have a ten (10) year term and vest in equal installments over a three (3) year period beginning on the grant date of July 2, 2025, subject to the officers’ continued employment at the time of vesting. |
| (4) | Includes healthcare benefits and 401(k) contribution of $15,665 and $26,655, respectively, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. |
| (5) | Includes healthcare benefits and 401(k) contribution of $16,779 and $42,294 respectively, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. |
Executive Compensation Philosophy
Our Board of Directors determines the compensation given to our executive officers in their sole determination. Our Board of Directors reserves the right to pay our executives or any future executives a salary, and/or issue them shares of common stock issued in consideration for services rendered and/or to award incentive bonuses which are linked to our performance, as well as to the individual executive officer’s performance. This package may also include long-term stock-based compensation to certain executives, which is intended to align the performance of our executives with our long-term business strategies. Additionally, while our Board of Directors has not granted any performance-based stock options to date , the Board of Directors reserves the right to grant such options in the future, if the Board in its sole determination believes such grants would be in the best interests of the Company.
Incentive Bonus
The Board of Directors may grant incentive bonuses to our executive officers in its sole discretion, if the Board of Directors believes such bonuses are in the Company’s best interest, after analyzing our current business objectives and growth, if any, and the amount of revenue we are able to generate each month, which revenue is a direct result of the actions and ability of such executives.
Long-Term, Stock-Based Compensation
In order to attract, retain and motivate executive talent necessary to support the Company’s long-term business strategy we may award our executives and any future executives with long-term, stock-based compensation in the future, at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors.
NEO Employment Agreements
Employment Agreement with Christer Rosén, dated as of September 1, 2021
Mr. Rosén’s agreement provides that he will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and provides that he will be paid an annual base salary of $420,000. Mr. C. Rosén is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, with the target amount of the bonus equal to 50% of the base salary in the year to which the bonus relates, and the actual amount of the bonus may be greater or less than the target amount, and will ultimately be determined by the Board.
Amended Employment Agreement with Christer Rosén, dated as of September 2, 2021
****Mr. Rosen’s employment agreement was amended to update the term of his employment to expire on the earlier of the third anniversary of the date of signing and the termination of his employment in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The amendment also clarifies that the executive’s statements and assurances apply not only to shares of common stock issued to Mr. Rosen but also to stock options granted to him.
Amended Employment Agreement with Christer Rosén, dated as of December 18, 2023
Mr. Rosén’s employment agreement was amended on December 18, 2023. The amendment reduces Mr. C. Rosén’s annual base salary from $420,000 to $84,000, effective retrospectively to October 1, 2023, until the time that the Company has raised additional capital from the sale of its securities in the amount of $1,500,000 (the “Reduction Period”). Upon the expiration of the Reduction Period, the base salary shall be adjusted to be 105% the original base salary. The remainder of the original agreement shall remain in full force. Upon the expiration of the Reduction Period, which occurred on December 4, 2024, the base salary was adjusted to be 105% the original base.
Employment Agreement with Marshall Hayward, dated as of September 1, 2021
Dr. Hayward’s agreement provides that he will serve as the Chief Scientific Officer of the Company and that he will be paid an annual base salary of $336,000. Dr. Hayward is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, with the target amount of the bonus equal to 30% of the base salary in the year to which the bonus relates, and the actual amount of the bonus may be greater or less than such target amount, and will ultimately be determined by the Board.
Amended Employment Agreement with Marshall Hayward, dated as of September 29, 2021
Dr. Hayward’s employment agreement was amended to update the term of his employment to expire on the earlier of the third anniversary of the date of signing and the termination of his employment in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The amendment also clarifies that the executive’s statements and assurances apply not only to shares of common stock issued to Dr. Hayward but also to stock options granted to him.
Amended Employment Agreement with Marshall Hayward, dated as of December 18, 2023
Dr. Hayward’s employment agreement was amended on December 18, 2023. The amendment reduces Dr. Hayward’s annual base salary from $336,000 to $67,200, effective retrospectively to October 1, 2023, until the time that the Company has raised additional capital from the sale of its securities in the amount of $1,500,000 (the “Reduction Period”). Upon the expiration of the Reduction Period, the base salary shall be adjusted to be 105% the original base salary. The remainder of the original agreement shall remain in full force.
Amended Employment Agreement with Marshall Hayward, dated as of February 1, 2025
Dr. Hayward’s employment agreement was amended on February 1, 2025. The amendment increased Dr. Hayward’s annual base salary from $67,200 to $176,400. The previously planned increase to $352,800 never went into effect.
Employment Agreement with Alexander Rosen, dated as of June 1, 2021
Mr. Rosen’s agreement provides that he will serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Company and that he will be paid an annual base salary of $240,000. Mr. Rosen is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, with the target amount of the bonus equal to 30% of the base salary in the year to which the bonus relates, and the actual amount of the bonus may be greater or less than such target amount, and will ultimately be determined by the Board.
Amended Employment Agreement with Alexander Rosen, dated as of September 29, 2021
Mr. Rosen’s employment agreement was amended to update the term of his employment to expire on the earlier of the third anniversary of the date of signing and the termination of his employment in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The amendment also clarifies that the executive’s statements and assurances apply not only to shares of common stock issued to Mr. Rosen but also to stock options granted to him.
Amended Employment Agreement with Alexander Rosen, dated as of December 18, 2023
Mr. Rosen’s employment agreement was amended on December 18, 2023. The amendment reduces Mr. Rosen’s annual base salary from $240,000 to $48,000 effective retrospectively to October 1, 2023, until the time that the Company has raised additional capital from the sale of its securities in the amount of $1,500,000 (the “Reduction Period”). Upon the expiration of the Reduction Period, the base salary shall be adjusted to be 105% the original base salary. The remainder of the original agreement shall remain in full force. Upon the expiration of the Reduction Period, which occurred on December 4, 2024, the base salary was adjusted to be 105% the original base.
Employment Agreement with Alison Silva, dated as of September 1, 2021
Ms. Silva’s agreement provides that she will serve as the President and Chief Business Officer of the Company and that she will be paid an annual base salary of $300,000. Ms. Silva is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, with the target amount of the bonus equal to 30% of the base salary in the year to which the bonus relates, and the actual amount of the bonus may be greater or less than such target amount, and will ultimately be determined by the Board.
Amended Employment Agreement with Alison Silva, dated as of September 29, 2021
Ms. Silva’s employment agreement was amended to update the term of her employment to expire on the earlier of the third anniversary of the date of signing and the termination of her employment in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The amendment also clarifies that the executive’s statements and assurances apply not only to shares of common stock issued to Ms. Silva but also to stock options granted to her.
Amended Employment Agreement with Alison Silva, dated as of December 18, 2023
Ms. Silva’s employment agreement was amended on December 18, 2023. The amendment reduces Ms. Silva’s annual base salary from $300,000 to $60,000, effective retrospectively to October 1, 2023, until the time that the Company has raised additional capital from the sale of its securities in the amount of $1,500,000 (the “Reduction Period”). Upon the expiration of the Reduction Period, the base salary shall be adjusted to be 105% the original base salary. The remainder of the original agreement shall remain in full force. Upon the expiration of the Reduction Period, which occurred on December 4, 2024, the base salary was adjusted to be 105% the original base.
Provisions Applicable to All NEO Employment Agreements
Each of the employment agreements described above has a term of three years, which will be automatically extended for one or more additional terms of one year each unless either party provides notice to the other party of their desire to not so renew the term at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term. Each of the agreements is “at will,” meaning that either party may terminate the employment at any time and for any reason, subject to the provisions of the applicable agreement.
Each executive is entitled to fringe benefits consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits to the Company’s executive officers, and is entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment and travel expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties.
Each agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time, either with or without “Cause”, and by the applicable executive any time, either with or without “Good Reason”. “Cause” is defined as (i) violation of any material written rule or policy of the Company for which violation any employee may be terminated pursuant to the written policies of the Company reasonably applicable to an executive employee; (ii) misconduct by the applicable executive to the material detriment of the Company; (iii) the applicable executive conviction (by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further appeal) of, or pleading guilty to, a felony; (iv) the applicable executive’s gross negligence in the performance of their duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in the agreement; or the applicable executive’s material failure to perform their duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in the agreement (other than any such failure resulting from their incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to the applicable executive delivered a notice of termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of termination for Good Reason to the Company), in either case after written notice from the Board to the applicable executive of the specific nature of such material failure and such executive’s failure to cure such material failure within 10 days following receipt of such notice.
“Good Reason” is defined as (i) at any time following a Change of Control (as defined below), a material diminution by the Company of compensation and benefits (taken as a whole) provided to the applicable executive immediately prior to a Change of Control; (ii) reduction in base salary or target or maximum bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction in salaries of management personnel; (iii) the relocation of the applicable executive’s principal executive office to a location more than 50 miles further from their principal executive office immediately prior to such relocation; or (iv) a material breach by the Company of any of the terms and conditions of the agreement which the Company fails to correct within 10 days after the Company receives written notice from the applicable executive of such violation.
A “Change of Control” will be deemed to have occurred if, after the effective date of the applicable agreement, (i) the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company is acquired by any “person” as defined in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company), (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation where the stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 50% or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, or (iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned directly or indirectly by stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the sale or disposition, in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or disposition.
If the Company terminates any executive’s employment for “Cause”, or the applicable executive terminates their employment without “Good Reason”, then the Company will pay to the applicable executive any unpaid base salary and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses, any unvested portion of any equity granted to the applicable executive under the agreement or any other agreements with the Company will immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the parties; and all of the parties’ rights and obligations under the applicable agreement cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to those provisions which survive the termination.
If the Company terminates the applicable executive’s employment without “Cause”, or the applicable executive terminates their employment with “Good Reason”, the Company will pay to the applicable executive any base salary and benefits then owed or accrued and any unreimbursed expenses; the Company will pay to the applicable executive an amount in cash equal to the target annual performance bonus for which they would have been eligible with respect to the year in which termination of their employment occurs multiplied by a portion of the year for which the agreement was in place; the Company will continue to pay to the applicable executive the base salary that would have been paid to them for the following 12 month period, assuming that the agreement and the term had remained in effect; any equity grant already made to the applicable executive will, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested; and all of the parties’ rights and obligations under the agreement cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to those provisions which survive the termination.
Each of the agreements also provides for certain “gross-up payments” being payable to the applicable executive if it is determined that any payment or benefit provided to the executive under the agreement or otherwise, whether or not in connection with a Change of Control would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such that the payment would be subject to an excise tax under section 4999 of the Code.
Each of the agreements contains customary confidentiality provisions, and customary provisions relating to intellectual property created by the executive (i.e., a “work-made-for-hire” provision).
Each of the agreements also contains a customary non-solicitation provision, wherein the executive agrees that they shall not, directly or indirectly solicit or discuss with any employee of Company the employment of such Company employee by any other commercial enterprise other than Company, nor recruit, attempt to recruit, hire or attempt to hire any such Company employee on behalf of any commercial enterprise other than Company, provided that this provision does not prohibit the executive from undertaking a general recruitment advertisement provided that the foregoing is not targeted towards any person identified above, or from hiring, employing or engaging any such person who responds to such general recruitment advertisement. This provision applies for three years.
Each of the agreements also contains a customary non-compete provision, wherein the executive agrees that they will not, directly or indirectly: (i) engage in any other business, association or relationship of any kind with any business which provides, in whole or in part, the same or similar services and/or products offered by Company as part of its existing or developing businesses which directly or indirectly competes with Company; nor (ii) solicit or accept, or induce any person to reduce goods or services to Company, or in any manner assist others in the solicitation, acceptance, or inducement of, any business transactions with Company’s existing and prospective clients, accounts, suppliers and/or other persons or entities with whom Company has had business relationships (or whom Company had specifically identified for a prospective business relationship). This provision applies for nine months.
Each of the agreements contains a “Blue Pencil” provision, wherein if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the non-solicit or non-compete provisions are unenforceable, the court may substitute an enforceable restriction in place of any restriction deemed unenforceable.
Each of the agreements is governed by Florida law, and contains customary representations and warranties and other miscellaneous provisions.
Elements of Compensation
Our NEOs were provided with the following primary elements of compensation in 2025 and 2024:
Base Salary
Christer Rosén and Marshall Hayward received a fixed base salary in an amount determined by the Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including:
| ● | The nature, responsibilities and duties of the officer’s position; |
| ● | The officer’s expertise, demonstrated leadership ability and prior performance; |
| ● | The officer’s salary history and total compensation, including annual cash bonuses and long-term incentive compensation; and |
| ● | The competitiveness of the market for the officer’s services. |
See “—2025 Summary Compensation Table.”
Stock Option Grants
On July 2, 2025, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 102,128 of common stock to Saleem Elmasri, CPA at an exercise price of $1.19 per share.
On July 2, 2025, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 255,320 of common stock to Alison Silva at an exercise price of $1.19 per share.
Other Benefits
In 2025 and 2024 our NEOs were reimbursed for healthcare expenses. The amounts paid to our NEOs in respect of these benefits is reflected above in “—2025 Summary Compensation Table.”
2023 Equity Incentive Plan
Overview
The Board of Directors and stockholders holding a majority of the Company’s voting capital approved and adopted the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”) on October 4, 2023, respectively. The 2023 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to an aggregate maximum of 4,012,785 shares of the common stock, subject to adjustment as described in the 2023 Plan. The 2023 Plan shall be administered by the Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board or another committee (“Administrator”). The Administrator, in its discretion, selects the individuals to whom awards may be granted, the time or times at which such awards are granted, and the terms of such awards. The 2023 Plan authorizes the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share unit, cash awards, other awards, and performance-based awards. Awards may be granted to the Company’s officers, employees, directors and consultants.
The purpose of 2023 Plan is to promote the success of the Company and to increase stockholder value by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this 2023 Plan, in whole or in part. To the extent then required by applicable law or any applicable stock exchange or required under the Internal Revenue Code to preserve the intended tax consequences of the 2023 Plan, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, the 2023 Plan and any amendment to the 2023 Plan shall be subject to stockholder approval. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, the 2023 Plan will terminate 10 years from the date of adoption.
Authorized Shares
A total of 4,012,785 shares of the Company’s common stock are authorized for issuance pursuant to the 2023 Plan. Subject to adjustment as provided in the 2023 Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the 2023 Plan will be cumulatively increased on January 1, 2024 and on each subsequent January 1, by a number of shares equal to the smaller of (i) 3% of the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31, or (ii) an amount determined by the Board.
Additionally, if any award issued pursuant to the 2023 Plan expires or becomes exercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an exchange program, as provided in the 2023 Plan, or, with respect to restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance units or performance shares, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to the failure to vest, the unpurchased shares (or for awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights the forfeited or repurchased shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the 2023 Plan (unless the 2023 Plan has terminated). With respect to stock appreciation rights, only shares actually issued pursuant to a stock appreciation right will cease to be available under the 2023 Plan; all remaining shares under stock appreciation rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the 2023 Plan (unless the 2023 Plan has terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the 2023 Plan under any award will not be returned to the 2023 Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the 2023 Plan; provided, however, that if shares issued pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company due to the failure to vest, such shares will become available for future grant under the 2023 Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an award or to satisfy the tax withholdings related to an award will become available for future grant or sale under the 2023 Plan. To the extent an award under the 2023 Plan is paid out in cash rather than shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of shares available for issuance under the 2023 Plan.
Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2023 Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options will equal the aggregate share number stated above, plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder, any shares that become available for issuance under the 2023 Plan in accordance with the foregoing.
Plan Administration
The Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board will administer the 2023 Plan. In addition, if the Company determines it is desirable to qualify transactions under the 2023 Plan as exempt under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, such transactions will be structured with the intent that they satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3. Subject to the provisions of the 2023 Plan, the administrator has the power to administer the 2023 Plan and make all determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the 2023 Plan, including the power to determine the fair market value of the Company’s common stock, select the service providers to whom awards may be granted, determine the number of shares covered by each award, approve forms of award agreements for use under the 2023 Plan, determine the terms and conditions of awards (including the exercise price, the time or times at which the awards may be exercised, any vesting acceleration or waiver or forfeiture restrictions and any restriction or limitation regarding any award or the shares relating thereto), construe and interpret the terms of the 2023 Plan and awards granted under it, prescribe, amend and rescind rules relating to the 2023 Plan, including creating sub-plans and modify or amend each award, including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of awards (provided that no option or stock appreciation right will be extended past its original maximum term), and to allow a participant to defer the receipt of payment of cash or the delivery of shares that would otherwise be due to such participant under an award. The administrator also has the authority to allow participants the opportunity to transfer outstanding awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the administrator and to institute an exchange program by which outstanding awards may be surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type which may have a higher or lower exercise price or different terms, awards of a different type or cash, or by which the exercise price of an outstanding award is increased or reduced. The administrator’s decisions, interpretations and other actions are final and binding on all participants.
Eligibility
Awards under the 2023 Plan, other than incentive stock options, may be granted to employees (including officers) of the Company or a subsidiary, members of the Company’s Board, or consultants engaged to render bona fide services to the Company or a subsidiary. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees of the Company or a subsidiary.
Stock Options
Stock options may be granted under the 2023 Plan. The exercise price of options granted under the 2023 Plan generally must at least be equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The term of each option will be as stated in the applicable award agreement; provided, however, that the term may be no more than 10 years from the date of grant. The administrator will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an option, which may include cash, shares or other property acceptable to the administrator, as well as other types of consideration permitted by applicable law. After the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, they may exercise their option for the period of time stated in their option agreement. In the absence of a specified time in an award agreement, if termination is due to death or disability, the option will remain exercisable for 12 months. In all other cases, in the absence of a specified time in an award agreement, the option will remain exercisable for three months following the termination of service. An option may not be exercised later than the expiration of its term. Subject to the provisions of the 2023 Plan, the administrator determines the other terms of options.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock appreciation rights may be granted under the 2023 Plan. Stock appreciation rights allow the recipient to receive the appreciation in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock between the exercise date and the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights may not have a term exceeding 10 years. After the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, they may exercise their stock appreciation right for the period of time stated in their stock appreciation right agreement. In the absence of a specified time in an award agreement, if termination is due to death or disability, the stock appreciation rights will remain exercisable for 12 months. In all other cases, in the absence of a specified time in an award agreement, the stock appreciation rights will remain exercisable for three months following the termination of service. However, in no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised later than the expiration of its term. Subject to the provisions of the 2023 Plan, the administrator determines the other terms of stock appreciation rights, including when such rights become exercisable and whether to pay any increased appreciation in cash or with shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, except that the per share exercise price for the shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right will be no less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock may be granted under the 2023 Plan. Restricted stock awards are grants of shares of the Company’s common stock that vest in accordance with terms and conditions established by the administrator. The administrator will determine the number of shares of restricted stock granted to any employee, director or consultant and, subject to the provisions of the 2023 Plan, will determine the terms and conditions of such awards. The administrator may impose whatever conditions to vesting it determines to be appropriate (for example, the administrator may set restrictions based on the achievement of specific performance goals or continued service to the Company); provided, however, that the administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. Recipients of restricted stock awards generally will have voting and dividend rights with respect to such shares upon grant without regard to vesting, unless the administrator provides otherwise. Shares of restricted stock that do not vest are subject to the Company’s right of repurchase or forfeiture.
Restricted Stock Units
RSUs may be granted under the 2023 Plan. RSUs are bookkeeping entries representing an amount equal to the fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock. Subject to the provisions of the 2023 Plan, the administrator determines the terms and conditions of RSUs, including the vesting criteria and the form and timing of payment. The administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the administrator in its discretion. The administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned RSUs in the form of cash, in shares of the Company’s common stock or in some combination thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any vesting requirements will be deemed satisfied.
Performance Units and Performance Shares
Performance units and performance shares may be granted under the 2023 Plan. Performance units and performance shares are awards that will result in a payment to a participant only if performance goals established by the administrator are achieved or the awards otherwise vest. The administrator will establish performance objectives or other vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or the value of performance units and performance shares to be paid out to participants. The administrator may set performance objectives based on the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the administrator in its discretion. After the grant of a performance unit or performance share, the administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance criteria or other vesting provisions for such performance units or performance shares. Performance units shall have an initial dollar value established by the administrator on or prior to the grant date. Performance shares shall have an initial value equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned performance units or performance shares in the form of cash, in shares or in some combination thereof.
Non-Employee Directors
The 2023 Plan provides that all non-employee directors will be eligible to receive all types of awards (except for incentive stock options) under the 2023 Plan. The 2023 Plan includes a maximum limit of $750,000 of equity awards that may be granted to a non-employee director in any fiscal year, increased to $1,500,000 in connection with his or her initial service. For purposes of this limitation, the value of equity awards is based on the grant date fair value (determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States). Any equity awards granted to a person for their services as an employee, or for their services as a consultant (other than as a non-employee director), will not count for purposes of the limitation. The maximum limit does not reflect the intended size of any potential compensation or equity awards to the Company’s non-employee directors.
Non-transferability of Awards
Unless the administrator provides otherwise, the 2023 Plan generally does not allow for the transfer of awards and only the recipient of an award may exercise an award during their lifetime. If the administrator makes an award transferrable, such award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the administrator deems appropriate.
Certain Adjustments
In the event of certain changes in the Company’s capitalization, to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits available under the 2023 Plan, the administrator will adjust the number and class of shares that may be delivered under the 2023 Plan or the number, and price of shares covered by each outstanding award and the numerical share limits set forth in the 2023 Plan.
Dissolution or Liquidation
In the event of the Company’s proposed liquidation or dissolution, the administrator will notify participants as soon as practicable and all awards will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed transaction.
Merger or Change in Control
The 2023 Plan provides that in the event of the Company’s merger with or into another corporation or entity or a “change in control” (as defined in the 2023 Plan), each outstanding award will be treated as the administrator determines, including, without limitation, that (i) awards will be assumed, or substantially equivalent awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (ii) upon written notice to a participant, that the participant’s awards will terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or change in control; (iii) outstanding awards will vest and become exercisable, realizable or payable, or restrictions applicable to an award will lapse, in whole or in part, prior to or upon consummation of such merger or change in control and, to the extent the administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or change in control; (iv) (A) the termination of an award in exchange for an amount of cash or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such award or realization of the participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such award or realization of the participant’s rights, then such award may be terminated by the Company without payment) or (B) the replacement of such award with other rights or property selected by the administrator in its sole discretion; or (v) any combination of the foregoing. The administrator will not be obligated to treat all awards, all awards a participant holds, or all awards of the same type, similarly. In the event that awards (or portion thereof) are not assumed or substituted for in the event of a merger or change in control, the participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of their outstanding options and stock appreciation rights, including shares as to which such awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on restricted stock and RSUs will lapse and, with respect to awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, in all cases, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable award agreement or other written agreement between the participant and the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries or parents, as applicable. If an option or stock appreciation right is not assumed or substituted in the event of a merger or change in control, the administrator will notify the participant in writing or electronically that the option or stock appreciation right will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the administrator in its sole discretion and the vested option or stock appreciation right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For awards granted to an outside director, the outside director will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of their outstanding options and stock appreciation rights, all restrictions on restricted stock and RSUs will lapse and, for awards with performance-based vesting, unless specifically provided for in the award agreement, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met.
Clawback
Awards will be subject to any Company clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable laws. The administrator also may specify in an award agreement that the participant’s rights, payments or benefits with respect to an award will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events. The Board may require a participant to forfeit, return or reimburse the Company all or a portion of the award or shares issued under the award, any amounts paid under the award and any payments or proceeds paid or provided upon disposition of the shares issued under the award in order to comply with such clawback policy or applicable laws.
Amendment and Termination
The administrator has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the 2023 Plan provided such action does not impair the existing rights of any participant. The 2023 Plan automatically will terminate on October 4, 2033, unless it is terminated sooner.
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2025
The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2025:
| Option awards · Stock Awards | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name · Number of securities underlying unexercised options exercisable (#) · Number of securities underlying unexercised options unexercisable (#) · Option exercise price ($/share) · Option expiration date · Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) · Market value of shares or units that have not vested ($) · Equity incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#) · Equity incentive plan awards: Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($) | |||||
| Christer Rosén | 2,003,678 | - | $1.00 | 2029-2033 | 497,392 |
| Saleem Elmasri | 666,420 | 102,128 | $1.31 | 2032-2035 | 66.292 |
| Marshall Hayward | 1,245,098 | $0.93 | 2026-2033 | 389,793 | |
| Alexander Rosén | 1,171,688 | $.97 | 2029-2033 | 164,553 | |
| Alison Silva | 870,871 | 255,320 | $1.20 | 2028-2035 | 110,227 |
Director Compensation
Prior to our 2024 initial public offering, we did not have a formal policy to compensate our non-employee directors. Following our initial public offering, our non-employee directors are eligible to receive the following cash retainers and equity awards. The retainers will be payable in four equal installments in each calendar quarter and will be payable within five business days of the end of each calendar quarter, and with such amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated.
| Annual Retainer for Board Membership | |
|---|---|
| Annual service on the board of directors | $30,000 |
| Additional Annual Retainer for Committee Membership | |
| Annual service as member of the audit committee (other than chair) | $5,000 |
| Annual service as chair of the audit committee | $10,000 |
| Annual service as member of the compensation committee (other than chair) | $5,000 |
| Annual service as chair of the compensation committee | $10,000 |
| Annual service as member of the nominating and corporate governance committee (other than chair) | $4,000 |
| Annual service as chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee | $7,500 |
Upon initial election to our board of directors, each non-employee director will be granted an option to acquire up to 18,000 shares of the common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share (subject to customary adjustments), which options shall vest ratably over 36 months, subject to the director continuing to serve as a director of the Company during such period, pursuant to the Option Award Agreement. During the term of the independent director agreements, the Company will reimburse each director for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the director in attending any in-person meetings, provided that the director complies with the generally applicable policies, practices and procedures of the Company for submission of expense reports, receipts or similar documentation of such expenses. Any reimbursements for allocated expenses (as compared to out-of-pocket expenses of the director in excess of $500) must be approved in advance by the Company.
Other than as set forth in the table below and as described more fully below, we did not pay any compensation or make any equity awards or non-equity awards to any of our non-employee directors during 2025. Directors may be reimbursed for travel and other expenses directly related to their activities as directors. Directors who also serve as employees receive no additional compensation for their service as directors. During 2025, each of Christer Rosén, our Chief Executive Officer, Marshall Hayward, our Chief Scientific Officer, and Alison Silva, our President and Chief Business Officer, was a member of our board of directors, as well as an employee, and therefore, received no additional compensation for their services as a director. See “—2025 Summary Compensation Table” for more information about compensation to our NEOs for 2025 and 2024. The following table presents the total compensation for each person who served as a non-employee director during 2025 and 2024.
2025 and 2024 Director Compensation Table
| Name · Year · Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) · Stock Awards ($) · Option Awards ($) · Total ($) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas H. Hemmerly | 2025 | $49,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $49,000 |
| 2024 | $49,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $49,000 | |
| Julie Kampf | 2025 | $42,500 | $ | - | $ | - | $42,500 |
| 2024 | $42,500 | $ | - | $ | - | $42,500 | |
| Holger Weis | 2025 | $44,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $44,000 |
| 2024 | $44,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $44,000 | |
| Allison W. Brady | 2025 | $40,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $40,000 |
| 2024 | $40,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $40,000 | |
Director Agreements
On September 8, 2021, the Company entered into Independent Director Agreements with each of Allison Brady, Holger Weis, Julie Kampf and Nick Hemmerly (each, a “Director”) relating to their service as independent directors of the Company.
Pursuant to each of the agreements, the Director agreed to serve as an independent director of the Company and to perform the duties consistent with such position. In addition, pursuant to their respective agreements, Ms. Brady agreed to serve as a member of the Compensation Committee and Audit Committee; Mr. Weis agreed to serve as a member of the Nomination Committee and the Chairman of the Audit Committee; Ms. Kampf agreed to serve as a member of the Compensation Committee and as Chairman of the Nomination Committee of the Board; and Mr. Hemmerly agreed to serve as Chairman of the Compensation Committee as well as a member of the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee.
Each of the Directors confirmed that the Director is independent (as such term has been construed under Delaware law with respect to directors of Delaware corporations and the OTC Markets, the NASDAQ Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange). Each Director also confirmed that, to their knowledge, (a) that Director does not possess material business, close personal relationships or other affiliations, or any history of any such material business, close personal relationships or other affiliations, with the Company’s significant equity or debt holders or any of their respective corporate affiliates that would cause that Director to be unable to (i) exercise independent judgment based on the best interests of the Company or (ii) make decisions and carry out that Director’s responsibilities as a director of the Company, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Company’s governing documents and applicable law, and (b) that they have no existing relationship or affiliation of any kind with any entity that the applicable Director knows to be a competitor of the Company.
Each of the agreements continues until the earliest of (a) such time as the Director resigns or is removed in accordance with the Company’s governing documents, and (b) the death of the Director.
The Directors are compensated as follows under their respective agreements:
Each of the Directors will be paid $30,000 annually for their service as directors, to be paid $7,500 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. In addition, the Company agreed that, on October 1, 2021, the Company will issue to each Director an option to acquire up to 67,500 shares of the common stock at an exercise price of $1.33 per share, which options will vest ratably over 36 months subject to the applicable Director continuing to serve as a director of the Company during such period. The option grants were made pursuant to an Option Award Agreement as attached to each of their respective agreements.
In addition, the applicable agreements provide that the Directors will be compensated as follows in connection with their service on Committees of the Board.
| ● | Ms. Brady: For as long as Ms. Brady serves as a member of the Compensation Committee, Ms. Brady will be paid $5,000 annually to be paid $1,250 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. | |
| ● | For as long as Ms. Brady serves as a member of the Audit Committee, Ms. Brady will be paid $5,000 annually to be paid $1,250 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. | |
| ● | Mr. Weis: | |
| ○ | For as long as Mr. Weis serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee, Mr. Weis will be paid $10,000 annually to be paid $2,500 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. | |
| ○ | For as long as Mr. Weis serves as a member of the Nominating Committee, Mr. Weis will be paid $4,000 annually to be paid $1,000 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. |
| ● | Ms. Kampf: | |
| ○ | For as long as Ms. Kampf serves as a member of the Compensation Committee, Ms. Kampf will be paid $5,000 annually to be paid $1,250 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. | |
| ○ | For as long as Ms. Kampf serves as Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Ms. Kampf will be paid $7,500 annually and $1,875 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. |
| ● | Mr. Hemmerly: | |
| ○ | For as long as Mr. Hemmerly serves as a member of the Audit Committee, Mr. Hemmerly will be paid $5,000 annually to be paid $1,250 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. | |
| ○ | For as long as Mr. Hemmerly serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee, Mr. Hemmerly will be $10,000 annually to be paid $2,500 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. | |
| ○ | For as long as Mr. Hemmerly serves as a member of the Nominating Committee, Mr. Hemmerly will be paid $4,000 annually to be paid $1,000 each calendar quarter, with the amount for any partial calendar quarter being appropriately prorated. |
Each of the agreements contains customary confidentiality provisions, and customary provisions relating to intellectual property created by the executive (i.e., a “work-made-for-hire” provision. Each of the agreements is governed by Delaware law and contains customary representations and warranties and other miscellaneous provisions.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.