Nektar Therapeutics Grants Stock Options for New Employees Under Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4)

Nektar Therapeutics Announces Inducement Grants

Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR) has recently disclosed that its Organization and Compensation Committee has made grants of non-qualified stock options to two new employees. This move is part of Nektar's 2025 Inducement Plan and aims to attract top talent to the company. The total number of shares granted amounts to 18,310, a significant incentive for these individuals as they step into their new roles.

The 2025 Inducement Plan, which the Board of Directors adopted on November 6, 2025, is specifically designed to provide equity awards to individuals who were not previously associated with Nektar, either as employees or non-employee directors. This policy is part of the company's strategy to create incentives that entice skilled professionals to join the organization, all in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

Details of the Stock Options Granted

On November 25, 2025, an employee received 7,260 stock options with an exercise price set at $60.35 per share. This price corresponds with Nektar's common stock closing price on that date. Additionally, another employee was granted 11,050 stock options on December 4, 2025, with an exercise price of $57.69, reflecting the closing price of Nektar's stock on that day.

The granted stock options come with an eight-year term, requiring a four-year vesting period. Specifically, one-quarter of the shares will become vested on the first anniversary of the grant, with one-forty-eighth of the shares vesting monthly in the subsequent three years. However, continued employment with Nektar is a prerequisite for vesting on the scheduled dates.

Nektar Therapeutics: A Brief Overview

Based in San Francisco, California, Nektar Therapeutics is at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, focusing on developing treatments to address immune dysfunctions involved in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Nektar's lead candidate, rezpegaldesleukin (REZPEG, or NKTR-358), is a pioneering regulatory T cell stimulator currently under evaluation in multiple Phase 2b clinical trials targeting conditions such as atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The company also has several promising candidates in its pipeline, including a preclinical bivalent tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNFR2) antibody and bispecific programs named NKTR-0165 and NKTR-0166. Additionally, Nektar is studying NKTR-255, an investigational IL-15 receptor agonist meant to enhance the body's immune system's capability to fight cancer, in several ongoing clinical trials.

Looking Ahead

As Nektar continues its efforts to attract skilled professionals through its inducement grants, it also remains focused on advancing its innovative product pipeline. The company emphasizes a strategic approach to recruitment as a vital component of its growth and development strategy, recognizing the competitive nature of the biotechnology sector.

With the recent stock options grant and a commitment to fostering a capable workforce, Nektar is poised to make significant strides in its mission of delivering groundbreaking therapeutic options in the biopharmaceutical landscape. For further information on Nektar Therapeutics, you can visit their official website at www.nektar.com or connect through their LinkedIn page.

Cautionary Note

It is essential to note that this announcement includes forward-looking statements related to Nektar's business expectations and future performance. As with all research and development initiatives, actual outcomes can vary widely due to numerous market factors and developmental risks.

For additional updates on Nektar’s progress and initiatives, investors and stakeholders are encouraged to stay tuned for future communications from the company.