Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Inducement Grants Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4)

In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to innovation and growth, Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, a trailblazing clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, recently announced that it has granted non-qualified stock options to four new employees, under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). This initiative is part of Zentalis’ dynamic strategy to attract top-tier talent and further bolster its research and development capabilities, with the ultimate goal of advancing its groundbreaking oncology pipeline and delivering novel treatment options to cancer patients in need.

The decision to grant these options was taken by the Compensation Committee of Zentalis’ Board of Directors on June 2, 2025. These options encompass the purchase of an aggregate of 137,400 shares of Zentalis’ common stock, granted under the company’s 2022 Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan. This plan is exclusively utilized to grant equity awards to individuals who are new to the company or returning after a bona fide period of non-employment.

The stock options, priced at $1.28 per share (which is equal to the closing price of Zentalis’ common stock on the date of the grant), have a 10-year term and will vest over four years. Of note, 25% of the options will vest on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal monthly installments over the subsequent three years. The vesting of the stock options is contingent on the employees’ continued service to Zentalis on each vesting date.

Zentalis, a San Diego-based company, is currently making waves in the biopharmaceutical space with its potentially first-in-class and best-in-class WEE1 inhibitor, azenosertib (ZN-c3), designed for patients with Cyclin E1+ platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). Azenosertib is being evaluated as a single agent and in combination across multiple tumor types in clinical trials, demonstrating broad franchise potential and well-tolerated anti-tumor activity.

By aligning employee interests with shareholder value, Zentalis is positioning itself to maximize its impact in the cancer treatment landscape. This strategic move not only incentivizes employee commitment and retention but also fuels the company’s capacity to attract high-caliber talent. It’s a forward-thinking approach that promotes a culture of ownership and performance, fundamental to driving the development and commercialization of innovative cancer therapies.

In conclusion, Zentalis’ recent stock option grants reflect its unwavering commitment to building a robust workforce and fostering a culture that thrives on innovation. As the company continues to explore additional areas of opportunity for azenosertib beyond PROC, it’s clear that Zentalis is unwavering in its quest to revolutionize the oncology landscape and improve patient outcomes.