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Curis Inc. Announces Employee Inducement Grants

On October 1, 2025, Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS), a biotechnology company specializing in the development of the small molecule IRAK4 inhibitor emavusertib (CA-4948), disclosed the approval of employee stock option grants by the independent Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors. This decision marks a strategic move to attract and retain new talent within the organization, following NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

Overview of the Grant

Curis has approved inducement stock options to purchase a total of 84,750 shares of common stock, which will be distributed among two new hires. The granted options have an exercise price equivalent to the closing price of Curis’s common stock on the grant date. Each option awards a substantial ten-year term for execution, in which 25% will immediately vest after one year from the employee’s joining date. Subsequently, 6.25% will vest in three-month intervals, ensuring that the employees remain engaged and contribute to the company’s growth over time.

The inducement awards are crafted outside of the company's Five Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, demonstrating a tailored approach to incentivize new hires significantly. This strategic decision is an essential aspect of Curis’s recruitment strategy to enhance the company’s innovative culture.

Significance of the Grants

This grant not only serves as an attraction mechanism for potential recruits but also emphasizes Curis's commitment to rewarding its employees as they contribute to the company's goals. Emavusertib, the drug under development, targets critical medical conditions such as relapsed/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). With an aggressive pipeline focusing on transformative therapies, attracting talented individuals to further this mission is paramount.

About Emavusertib

Emavusertib has shown promise in various clinical trials, including its combination with another drug, ibrutinib, for broader effectiveness. The drug is presently undergoing evaluation in several significant studies, including the TakeAim Lymphoma and TakeAim Leukemia trials. Recognized for its potential, emavusertib has earned Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for multiple conditions, including AML, MDS, and PCNSL, facilitating its expedited development.

The exclusive licensing deal between Curis and Aurigene for emavusertib, along with the strategic decisions regarding new employee induction, reflects a forward-thinking approach that could enhance treatment options for patients battling severe hematological malignancies.

Conclusion

Curis's move to grant inducement stock options demonstrates a proactive strategy to bolster its workforce during a critical phase of its drug development journey. As they work on advancing emavusertib and other therapeutics, having a strong, motivated team in place is essential for ensuring the success of their pipeline and ultimately benefiting patients in need of effective treatment solutions. For more information about Curis and their extensive work in biotechnology, visit their official website.