Akari Therapeutics Amends CEO Compensation; Grants RSUs & Options

What Happened
Akari Therapeutics Plc (AKTX) filed an 8-K (dated Oct 1, 2026) reporting that on September 29, 2026 it amended CEO Abizer Gaslightwala’s employment agreement. The amendment raises his annual base salary, increases his target bonus, and grants equity awards (restricted stock units and stock options), with certain awards conditioned on shareholder approval of an amendment to the company’s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.

Key Details

• Annual base salary increased from $475,000 to $625,000, effective August 18, 2026. Ten percent of the new base (10% = $62,500) will be delivered as restricted stock units (RSUs) in lieu of cash during the 12‑month period beginning August 18, 2026.
• The RSUs were granted on September 29, 2026 and vest in four equal quarterly installments on Nov 18, 2026; Feb 18, 2027; May 18, 2027; and Aug 18, 2027. Vesting is subject to adjustment for installments scheduled before the grant date and to shareholder approval to increase ADSs reserved under the 2023 Plan; if approval is not obtained the RSUs will be forfeited and the company will make adjustment payments so the CEO receives his full base salary.
• Target annual bonus increased from 50% to 55% of base salary, making target total cash compensation (base + bonus) about $970,000.
• Grant of options to purchase 174,000 American Depositary Shares (ADSs) dated August 18, 2026, vesting in equal monthly installments over four years, with vesting deemed to have commenced March 18, 2026; option issuance is subject to shareholder approval to increase ADSs reserved under the 2023 Plan.
• The CEO Agreement Amendment is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the 8-K.

Why It Matters
This amendment increases the CEO’s cash compensation and gives him additional equity incentives. For investors, the key takeaways are (1) potential near‑term increase in operating compensation expense due to the higher salary and bonus target, and (2) possible future share dilution if shareholders approve the 2023 Plan amendment to reserve additional ADSs for the RSUs and options. The RSUs and options are conditioned on shareholder approval (with a cash backstop for base salary if RSUs are not approved), so final dilution depends on the upcoming vote.