SOLIGENIX, INC.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 21, 2025.
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FY2024 · Filed Mar 21, 2025
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
In 2024, in furtherance of our compensation philosophy and objectives, the Compensation Committee engaged Setren & Associates, Inc. (“S&A”), an outside executive compensation consulting firm determined to be independent by the
Compensation Committee, to conduct a review of, and recommend changes to, our compensation program for our most highly compensated executive officers. A representative of S&A attended Compensation Committee meetings at the invitation of the Compensation Committee Chairman and was also in direct contact with the Compensation Committee and company management from time to time. S&A provided the Compensation Committee with assistance and advice in the review of our salary structure, annual and equity incentive awards and other related executive pay issues. In addition, S&A provided advice regarding marketplace trends and best practices relating to competitive pay levels.
S&A did not provide any services to us other than its services as the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, and S&A did not receive any fees or compensation from us other than the fee it received as the independent compensation consultant. S&A provided similar services to us and received similar compensation in 2023. The Compensation Committee confirmed that S&A’s work for the Compensation Committee did not create any conflicts of interest.
Summary Compensation
The following table contains information concerning the compensation paid during each of the two years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively to our Chief Executive Officer and each of the three other most highly compensated executive officers (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”).
Summary Compensation
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| · · · · · · · · · · · · Option · · All Other · · · | |||||||||||||||||||
| Name · Position · Year · Salary · Bonus · Awards · Compensation · Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Christopher J. Schaber (1) | CEO & | 2024 | | $540,255 | | $108,051 | | $148,950 | | $35,370 | | $832,627 | |||||||
| | President | 2023 | | $519,476 | | $72,727 | | $75,482 | | $32,800 | | $700,484 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Jonathan Guarino (2) | CFO & | 2024 | | $254,800 | | $42,806 | | $66,200 | | $35,370 | | $399,177 | |||||||
| | Senior VP | 2023 | | $245,000 | | $31,605 | | $45,289 | | $32,800 | | $354,693 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Oreola Donini (3) | CSO & | 2024 | | $312,000 | | $49,453 | | $66,200 | | $4,452 | | $432,105 | |||||||
| | Senior VP | 2023 | | $300,000 | | $37,800 | | $45,289 | | $4,505 | | $387,594 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Richard C. Straube (4) | CMO & | 2024 | | $197,039 | | $31,921 | | $39,720 | | $— | | $268,680 | |||||||
| | Senior VP | 2023 | | $189,461 | | $22,736 | | $37,741 | | $— | | $249,938 | |||||||
| (1) | Dr. Schaber deferred the payment of his 2024 bonus of $108,051 until January 15, 2025. Option awards figure includes the value of common stock option awards at grant date as calculated under FASB ASC 718. Other compensation represents health insurance costs paid by us. |
| (2) | Mr. Guarino deferred the payment of his 2024 bonus of $42,806 until January 15, 2025. Option awards figure includes the value of common stock option awards at grant date as calculated under FASB ASC 718. Other compensation represents health insurance costs paid by us. |
| (3) | Dr. Donini deferred the payment of her 2024 bonus of $49,453 until January 15, 2025. Option awards figure includes the value of common stock option awards at grant date as calculated under FASB ASC 718. Other compensation represents health insurance costs paid by us. |
| (4) | Dr. Straube deferred the payment of his 2024 bonus of $31,921 until January 15, 2025. Option awards figure includes the value of common stock option awards at grant date as calculated under FASB ASC 718. Other compensation represents health insurance costs paid by us. |
Employment and Severance Agreements
In August 2006, we entered into a three-year employment agreement with Christopher J. Schaber, PhD. Pursuant to this employment agreement we agreed to pay Dr. Schaber a base salary of $300,000 per year and a minimum annual bonus of $100,000. Dr. Schaber’s employment agreement automatically renews every three years, unless otherwise terminated, and last was automatically renewed in December 2019 for an additional term of three years. We agreed to issue him options to
purchase 833 shares of our common stock, with one third immediately vesting and the remainder vesting over three years. Upon termination without “Just Cause” as defined by this agreement, we would pay Dr. Schaber nine months of severance, as well as any accrued bonuses, accrued vacation, and we would provide health insurance and life insurance benefits for Dr. Schaber and his dependents. No unvested options shall vest beyond the termination date. Dr. Schaber’s monetary compensation (base salary of $300,000 and bonus of $100,000) remained unchanged from 2006 with the 2007 renewal. Upon a change in control of the company due to merger or acquisition, all of Dr. Schaber’s options shall become fully vested, and be exercisable for a period of five years after such change in control (unless they would have expired sooner pursuant to their terms). In the event of his death during the term of the agreement, all of his unvested options shall immediately vest and remain exercisable for the remainder of their term and become the property of Dr. Schaber’s immediate family.
In January 2020, our Board of Directors authorized an amendment to Dr. Schaber’s employment agreement to increase the number of shares of common stock from 21 to 2,084, issuable to Dr. Schaber immediately prior to the completion of a transaction or series or a combination of related transactions negotiated by our Board of Directors whereby, directly or indirectly, a majority of our capital stock or a majority of our assets are transferred from us and/or our stockholders to a third party.
In December 2020, our Board of Directors authorized an amendment to Dr. Schaber’s employment agreement to modify the severance terms. Upon termination without “Just Cause” as defined by this agreement, we would pay Dr. Schaber twelve months of severance, as well as a pro rata bonus calculated by the average of his prior two year’s annual bonuses, if any, and based on the number of months that he was employed during the year in which his employment was terminated; however, in the case of termination without “Just Cause” within one year following a change in control or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets Dr. Schaber will be entitled 18 months of severance and health insurance and life insurance benefits for him and his dependents.
On June 22, 2011, the Compensation Committee eliminated his fixed minimum annual bonus payable and revised it to an annual targeted bonus of 40% of his annual base salary. On December 8, 2022, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Schaber to $519,476. On December 8, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Schaber to $540,255. On December 12, 2024, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Schaber to $559,164.
In July 2013, we entered into a one-year employment agreement with Oreola Donini, PhD, our Vice President Preclinical Research & Development. Pursuant to the agreement, we agreed to pay Dr. Donini $170,000 (CAD) per year and a targeted annual bonus of 20% of base salary. We also issued her options to purchase 2,666 shares of our common stock with one-quarter immediately vesting and the remainder vesting over three years. Dr. Donini’s employment agreement automatically renews each year, unless otherwise terminated, and has automatically renewed each year since execution. Upon termination without “Just Cause”, as defined in Dr. Donini’s employment agreement, we would pay Dr. Donini three months of severance, accrued bonuses and vacation, and health insurance benefits. No unvested options vest beyond the termination date. In December 2014, Dr. Donini was named Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President. Upon Dr. Donini’s promotion to Chief Scientific Officer, the Compensation Committee increased her targeted bonus to 30% of her annual base salary. On December 8, 2022, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Donini to $300,000. On December 8, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Donini to $312,000. On December 12, 2024, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Donini to $322,920.
In December 2014, we entered into a one-year employment agreement with Richard C. Straube, MD, our Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President. Pursuant to the agreement, we agreed to pay Dr. Straube $300,000 per year and a targeted annual bonus of 30% of base salary. We also issued him options to purchase 666 shares of our common stock with one-third immediately vesting and the remainder vesting over three years. On March 26, 2019, we entered into an amendment to our employment agreement with Dr. Straube. Pursuant to the amended agreement, which amendment became effective as of April 1, 2019, Dr. Straube will be required to devote at least 20 hours per week to the performance of his duties and we will pay him $170,000 per year. The amended employment agreement automatically renews each year, unless otherwise terminated. Upon termination without “Just Cause”, as defined in the amended employment agreement, we would pay Dr. Straube one month of severance. No unvested options vest beyond the termination date. On December 8, 2022, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Straube to $189,461. On December 8, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Straube to $197,039. On December 12, 2024, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Dr. Straube to $203,935.
On September 9, 2019, we entered into a one-year employment agreement with Jonathan Guarino, CPA, CGMA, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the agreement, we agreed to pay Mr. Guarino $220,000 per year and a targeted annual bonus of 30% of base salary. We also issued him options to purchase 2,666 shares of our common stock with one-quarter immediately vesting and the remainder vesting over three years. Mr. Guarino’s employment agreement automatically renews each year, unless otherwise terminated. Upon termination without “Just Cause”, as defined in Mr. Guarino’s employment agreement, we would pay Mr. Guarino three months of severance, accrued salary, bonuses and vacation, and health insurance benefits. No unvested options vest beyond the termination date. On December 8, 2022, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Mr. Guarino to $245,000. On December 8, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Mr. Guarino to $254,800. On December 12, 2024, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in salary for Mr. Guarino to $263,718.
Equity Award Grant Practices and Timing Disclosure
As part of our commitment to transparency and sound corporate governance, we disclose below our policies and practices related to the grant of equity awards in proximity to the release of material nonpublic information.
Policies and Practices on the Timing of Equity Awards
Our Board of Directors and Compensation Committee oversee the granting of equity awards, including stock options, to our executives. The timing of such awards is determined in accordance with the following policies and practices:
| ● | Pre-Determined Grant Schedule: We generally grant equity awards on a predetermined schedule, typically in connection with our annual compensation cycle or as part of an executive's new hire or promotion package. |
| ● | Consideration of Material Nonpublic Information: The Board and Compensation Committee consider whether material nonpublic information may be available when granting equity awards. We do not grant options with the intent to take advantage of anticipated movements in stock price due to the release of such information. |
| ● | Disclosure Timing: The Company does not intentionally time the disclosure of material nonpublic information for the purpose of affecting the value of executive compensation. |
Equity Awards Granted in Close Proximity to Material Nonpublic Information Disclosure
During the last fiscal year, the Company did not grant any stock options to named executive officers during the period beginning four business days before and ending one business day after the filing of a periodic report on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, or the filing or furnishing of a Form 8-K disclosing material nonpublic information (excluding Form 8-K disclosures of material new option award grants under Item 5.02(e)).
As no such grants occurred during the relevant period, no further disclosure or tabular presentation is necessary.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table contains information concerning unexercised options, stock that has not vested, and equity incentive plan awards for the Named Executive Officers outstanding at December 31, 2024. We have never issued Stock Appreciation Rights.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · · Equity · | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | Incentive Plan | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Awards: | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Number of | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Securities | | | | | |
| · · Number of Securities · · Underlying · · Option · · | |||||||||||
| · · Underlying Unexercised · · Unexercised · · Exercise · · Option | |||||||||||
| · · Options (#) · · Unearned · · Price · · Expiration | |||||||||||
| Name · · Exercisable · · Unexercisable · · Options (#) · · ($) · · Date | |||||||||||
| Christopher J. Schaber | 58 | — | — | | $2,712.00 | 12/30/2025 | |||||
| | 250 | — | — | | $482.40 | 12/06/2027 | |||||
| | 250 | — | — | | $232.80 | 12/12/2028 | |||||
| | 250 | — | — | | $230.40 | 01/01/2029 | |||||
| | 250 | — | — | | $297.60 | 12/11/2029 | |||||
| | 250 | — | — | | $348.00 | 01/01/2030 | |||||
| | | 250 | | — | | — | | $561.60 | | 12/09/2030 | |
| | | 250 | | — | | — | | $307.20 | | 01/03/2031 | |
| | 250 | — | — | | $187.20 | 12/08/2031 | |||||
| | 52 | — | — | | $165.60 | 01/02/2032 | |||||
| | | 186 | | 11 | | 11 | | $165.60 | | 01/02/2032 | |
| | | 442 | | 141 | | 141 | | $129.60 | | 12/07/2032 | |
| | | 4,688 | | 4,687 | | 4,687 | | $10.72 | | 12/07/2033 | |
| | | 11,250 | | 33,750 | | 33,750 | | $3.31 | | 12/10/2034 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Jonathan Guarino | 166 | — | — | | $232.80 | 09/08/2029 | |||||
| | 41 | — | — | | $297.60 | 12/11/2029 | |||||
| | 166 | — | — | | $561.60 | 12/09/2030 | |||||
| | | 195 | | 13 | | 13 | | $187.20 | | 12/08/2031 | |
| | | 252 | | 81 | | 81 | | $129.60 | | 12/07/2032 | |
| | | 2,815 | | 2,810 | | 2,810 | | $10.72 | | 12/07/2033 | |
| | | 5,000 | | 15,000 | | 15,000 | | $3.31 | | 12/10/2034 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Oreola Donini | 29 | — | — | | $2,712.00 | 12/30/2025 | |||||
| | 83 | — | — | | $640.80 | 03/30/2027 | |||||
| | 145 | — | — | | $482.40 | 12/06/2027 | |||||
| | 166 | — | — | | $232.80 | 12/12/2028 | |||||
| | 250 | — | — | | $297.60 | 12/11/2029 | |||||
| | 291 | — | — | | $561.60 | 12/09/2030 | |||||
| | 291 | — | — | | $187.20 | 12/08/2031 | |||||
| | | 252 | | 81 | | 81 | | $129.60 | | 12/07/2032 | |
| | | 2,815 | | 2,810 | | 2,810 | | $10.72 | | 12/07/2033 | |
| | | 5,000 | | 15,000 | | 15,000 | | $3.31 | | 12/10/2034 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Richard C. Straube | 29 | — | — | | $2,712.00 | 12/30/2025 | |||||
| | 83 | — | — | | $640.80 | 03/30/2027 | |||||
| | 145 | — | — | | $482.40 | 12/06/2027 | |||||
| | 166 | — | — | | $232.80 | 12/12/2028 | |||||
| | 125 | — | — | | $297.60 | 12/11/2029 | |||||
| | 166 | — | — | | $561.60 | 12/09/2030 | |||||
| | 166 | — | — | | $187.20 | 12/08/2031 | |||||
| | | 252 | | 81 | | 81 | | $129.60 | | 12/07/2032 | |
| | | 2,344 | 2,343 | 2,343 | | $10.72 | 12/07/2033 | ||||
| | | 3,000 | | 9,000 | | 9,000 | | $3.31 | | 12/10/2034 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation of Directors
The following table contains information concerning the compensation of the non-employee directors during the year ended December 31, 2024.
| · · · · · · · · · | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · Fees Earned · · · | ||||||
| · · Paid in Cash · · Option · · · | ||||||
| Name | | (1) | | Awards (2) | | Total |
| Gregg A. Lapointe | | $55,000 | | $30,002 | | $85,002 |
| Diane L. Parks | | $47,500 | | $30,002 | | $77,502 |
| Robert J. Rubin | | $57,500 | | $30,002 | | $87,502 |
| Jerome B. Zeldis | | $50,000 | | $30,002 | | $80,002 |
| (1) | Directors who are compensated as full-time employees receive no additional compensation for service on our Board of Directors. Each independent director who is not a full-time employee is paid $35,000 annually, on a prorated basis, for their service on our Board of Directors, the chairman of our Audit Committee is paid $15,000 annually, on a prorated basis, and the chairmen of our Compensation and Nominating Committees is paid $10,000 annually, on a prorated basis. Additionally, Audit Committee members are paid $7,500 annually and Compensation and Nominating Committee members are paid $5,000 annually. This compensation is paid quarterly. |
| (2) | We maintain a stock option grant program pursuant to the nonqualified stock option plan, whereby members of our Board of Directors or its committees who are not full-time employees receive an initial grant of fully vested options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock. Upon re-election to the Board, each Board member will receive stock options with a value of $30,000, calculated using the closing price of the common stock on the trading day prior to the date of the annual meeting of our stockholders, which vest at the rate of 25% per quarter, commencing with the first quarter after each annual meeting of stockholders. |
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