LB Pharmaceuticals Inc has granted an inducement equity award to Christopher Zergebel, its new Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations, as a material incentive for his employment. The award, granted on July 10, 2026, was issued outside the LB Pharmaceuticals Inc 2025 Equity Incentive Plan but remains subject to its terms and conditions. This grant was made pursuant to the "inducement grant" exception under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

Mr. Zergebel received an option to purchase 75,000 shares of LB Pharmaceuticals’ common stock. The option carries a ten-year term and an exercise price of $32.95 per share, which was the closing price of the company's common stock on the grant date. The vesting schedule spans four years, with 25% of the shares vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date. The remaining shares vest monthly at a rate of 1/48th per month, subject to continuous service through the applicable vesting dates.

Key Details of the Inducement Award

LB Pharmaceuticals is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and other neuropsychiatric diseases. The company's lead product candidate, LB-102, is a potential first benzamide antipsychotic in the United States. In early 2025, the company announced positive data from a Phase 2 trial for acute schizophrenia and has initiated the pivotal Phase 3 NOVA-2 trial and the Phase 2 ILLUMINATE-1 trial for bipolar 1 depression.

LB Pharmaceuticals Inc announced the appointment of Christopher Zergebel as Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations to strengthen its leadership team during a critical phase of clinical development. The company is advancing its lead product candidate, LB-102, through multiple late-stage trials targeting neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and major depressive disorder.

Strategic Appointment

Christopher Zergebel brings over 25 years of global development operations experience to LB Pharmaceuticals. His expertise includes leading cross-functional teams in clinical operations, data management, and project management. Prior to joining, he served as Vice President, Development Operations at Cellectis Biologics, where he led global clinical development strategy from early-stage through post-approval trials.

Clinical Program Status

The appointment comes as LB Pharmaceuticals executes several key clinical trials for LB-102. The company is currently focused on the Phase 3 trial in schizophrenia and the Phase 2 trial in bipolar depression. Additionally, LB Pharmaceuticals expects to initiate a Phase 2 trial for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder early next year.

Leadership Perspective

Heather Turner, Chief Executive Officer of LB Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the importance of the new appointment. "We are pleased to welcome Chris to the LB team as we focus on the execution of multiple clinical programs and indications for LB-102," said Turner. She highlighted that Zergebel's operational expertise will be instrumental in advancing LB-102 and scaling the organization.

Christopher Zergebel expressed his enthusiasm for joining the company. "LB-102 is a unique molecule with the potential to meaningfully address a range of unmet needs for patients with both psychosis and mood disorders," said Zergebel. He looks forward to ensuring rigorous and efficient execution across the pipeline.