Apple announces iPhone 17 with 48MP cameras and 6.3-inch display
Palisade Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:PALI), a micro-cap biotechnology company with a market capitalization of $5.72 million, announced Thursday the adoption of a new Phantom Unit Plan and the approval of amended executive employment agreements, according to a statement based on a recent SEC filing. The company’s stock is currently trading near its 52-week low of $0.60, reflecting ongoing market challenges.According to InvestingPro analysis, Palisade Bio maintains a relatively strong balance sheet with more cash than debt, though its overall financial health score indicates challenges ahead. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 10+ additional key insights about PALI’s financial position and market performance.
On September 4, the company’s board of directors approved the Phantom Unit Plan, which authorizes the grant of up to 10,000,000 cash-settled phantom units to employees, directors, and consultants. The value of these units is tied to the company’s common stock, but recipients do not gain any ownership rights in the shares. The plan was adopted without shareholder approval, as permitted under Nasdaq rules, and will remain in effect for ten years.
Under the plan, the compensation committee determines the vesting and settlement schedules for each grant. Executives will have their phantom units vest in twelve equal quarterly installments over three years, with the first vesting on November 5, 2025. Directors’ phantom units will vest in three annual installments, with the first on August 5, 2026. Accelerated vesting provisions apply in cases such as a change in control or termination under specific circumstances.
Initial grants under the plan include 323,400 phantom units to Chief Executive Officer J.D. Finley, 289,000 to Chief Medical Officer Mitchell Jones, 137,600 to Senior Vice President of Finance Ryker Willie, 64,400 to the board chair, and 37,600 to each independent director.
Payments for vested phantom units will be made in cash based on the fair market value of company shares at the time of a trigger event, such as a change in control or termination. Payment timing varies, with lump sums or installment schedules depending on the event.
The company also entered into amended and restated executive employment agreements with J.D. Finley, Ryker Willie, and Mitchell Jones. Key terms include updated base salaries—$575,000 for Mr. Finley, $440,000 for Dr. Jones, and $298,500 for Mr. Willie—and eligibility for annual bonuses and equity-based awards. The agreements outline severance and accelerated vesting provisions in the event of involuntary termination or change in control, subject to compliance with certain covenants. These compensation arrangements come as the company faces significant operational challenges, with InvestingPro data showing weak gross profit margins and a concerning return on assets of -121.25% over the last twelve months.
All information is based on a press release statement and the company’s SEC filing.
In other recent news, Palisade Bio, Inc. reported positive clinical data for its drug PALI-2108, which is being developed for ulcerative colitis and fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease. In a Phase 1b study, all five patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis showed a clinical response after seven days of treatment, with an average reduction of 62.8% in their modified Mayo scores. Additionally, four out of five patients experienced a mean reduction of 70% in fecal calprotectin levels. Furthermore, Palisade Bio received Health Canada clearance for a clinical trial of PALI-2108 in fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease, with patient dosing expected to begin in the latter half of 2025. The company also secured a patent allowance in China for PALI-2108, which will provide protection until 2045, subject to extensions. In corporate developments, Palisade Bio appointed Emil Chuang to its Board of Directors, bringing his extensive pharmaceutical and clinical experience to the company. These recent developments highlight Palisade Bio’s ongoing efforts in drug development and intellectual property protection.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.