Nektar Therapeutics Strengthens Workforce with Equity Incentives Amidst Clinical Advancements

### Nektar Therapeutics Expands Talent Pool with Strategic Equity Incentives

On March 6, 2026, Nektar Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on innovative therapies for autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, announces the granting of non-qualified stock options to three newly-hired employees. This initiative forms part of Nektar's 2025 Inducement Plan, initiated on November 6, 2025, designed to attract and retain talent by providing meaningful equity awards. This plan adheres to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), allowing the company to reward new hires or those with a bona fide gap in employment with equity that aligns their interests with that of shareholders.

The non-qualified stock options represent a total of 4,300 shares, with an exercise price set at $73.73, echoing Nektar's closing stock price on the day of the grant. The options come with an eight-year term, thereby providing employees with a significant timeframe to benefit from their equity stakes. The vesting schedule is structured to incentivize long-term commitment, with 25% of the shares vesting at the end of the first year and the remaining shares vesting in monthly increments over the next three years. This structure highlights Nektar's focus on building a dedicated workforce that is aligned with the company's growth and long-term goals.

Nektar's commitment to employee development is paired with its innovative approach to drug development, particularly through lead candidate rezpegaldesleukin (REZPEG or NKTR-358), which is currently involved in multiple Phase 2b and Phase 2 clinical trials targeting conditions such as atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. In addition, Nektar's diverse pipeline includes promising candidates like NKTR-0165, NKTR-0166, and NKTR-422, as well as NKTR-255, an investigational IL-15 receptor agonist being evaluated for its potential to enhance immune responses against cancer. This expansion in both human capital and innovative research indicates Nektar’s strategic direction toward strengthening its clinical offerings while fostering a committed and highly skilled workforce.

Beyond these developments, Nektar Therapeutics continues to solidify its position within the biotechnology industry through aggressive recruitment strategies and a robust clinical pipeline. The company encourages interested parties to stay informed about its advancements by visiting their website or following their updates on LinkedIn, reflecting a broader commitment to transparency and engagement with stakeholders.