UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

SCHEDULE 14A

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Gyre Therapeutics, Inc.

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12770 High Bluff Drive, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92130

NOTICE OF THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON JUNE 12, 2024

To the Stockholders of Gyre Therapeutics:

Gyre Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) will hold its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The Annual Meeting will be a virtual meeting conducted exclusively online via live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GYRE2024. The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes, as more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”):

The Board of Directors has fixed April 18, 2024 as the Record Date. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Instructions for accessing the virtual Annual Meeting are provided in the Proxy Statement. Unless otherwise announced differently at the meeting or on the meeting website, in the event of a technical malfunction or other situation that the meeting chair determines may affect the ability of the Annual Meeting to satisfy the requirements for a meeting of stockholders to be held by means of remote communication under the Delaware General Corporation Law, or that otherwise makes it advisable to adjourn the Annual Meeting, the meeting chair or secretary will convene the meeting at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the date specified above and at the Company’s address specified above solely for the purpose of adjourning the meeting to reconvene at a date, time and physical or virtual location announced by the meeting chair or secretary. Under either of the foregoing circumstances, we will post information regarding the announcement on the Investors page of the Company’s website at https://ir.gyretx.com.

Whether or not you expect to participate in the virtual Annual Meeting, please vote as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting. You may vote online or, if you requested printed copies of the proxy materials, by telephone or by using the proxy card or voting instruction form provided with

the printed proxy materials.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LEGAL MATTERS

Business Combination. On October 30, 2023 (the “Business Combination Closing”), we completed a business combination pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement, dated as of December 26, 2022, as amended (the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among the Company, GNI USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GNI USA”), GNI Group Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of Japan with limited liability (“GNI Japan”), GNI Hong Kong Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong with limited liability (“GNI Hong Kong”), Shanghai Genomics, Inc., a company organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“Shanghai Genomics”), the Minority Holders (as defined therein) and Continent Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (such transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, collectively, the “Business Combination”). In connection with the Business Combination Closing, we changed our name from “Catalyst Biosciences, Inc.” to “Gyre Therapeutics, Inc.” and our Nasdaq ticker symbol from “CBIO” to “GYRE”.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on June 12, 2024. The Proxy Statement and Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023 are available at www.proxyvote.com.

Forward-Looking Statements. The Proxy Statement may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on estimates and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in the Proxy Statement, including statements about the Company’s Board of Directors, corporate governance practices and executive compensation program and equity compensation utilization, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements expressed or implied in the Proxy Statement. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include those risks described in “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other subsequent documents we file with the SEC. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Website References. Website references throughout this document are inactive textual references and provided for convenience only, and the content on the referenced websites is not incorporated herein by reference and does not constitute a part of the Proxy Statement.

 

12770 High Bluff Drive, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92130

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING

What Is the Purpose of These Proxy Materials?

We are making these proxy materials available to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Gyre Therapeutics, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) for use at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held virtually on June 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, or at any other time following adjournment or postponement thereof. You are invited to participate in the Annual Meeting and to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”). The proxy materials are first being made available to our stockholders on or about April 29, 2024.

Why Did I Receive a Notice of Internet Availability?

Pursuant to SEC rules, we are furnishing the proxy materials to our stockholders primarily via the Internet instead of mailing printed copies. This process allows us to expedite our stockholders’ receipt of proxy materials, lower the costs of printing and mailing the proxy materials and reduce the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”), you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one. The Notice provides instructions on how to access the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting via the Internet, how to request a printed set of proxy materials and how to vote your shares.

Why Are We Holding a Virtual Annual Meeting?

We have adopted a virtual meeting format for the Annual Meeting to provide a consistent experience to all stockholders regardless of geographic location. We believe this expands stockholder access, improves communications and lowers our costs while reducing the environmental impact of the meeting. In structuring our virtual Annual Meeting, our goal is to enhance rather than constrain stockholder participation in the meeting, and we have designed the meeting to provide stockholders with the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would have at an in-person meeting.

Who Can Vote?

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 18, 2024 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. At the close of business on the Record Date, 85,466,672 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding.

What Is the Difference between Holding Shares as a Registered Stockholder and as a Beneficial Owner?

Registered Stockholder: Shares Registered in Your Name

If your shares of common stock are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (formerly known as American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC), you are considered to be, with respect to those shares of common stock, the registered stockholder, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by us.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian

If your shares of common stock are held by a broker, fiduciary or custodian, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares of common stock held in “street name,” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you from that broker, fiduciary or custodian.

How Can I Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?

Stockholders of record as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to participate in and vote at the Annual Meeting. To participate in the Annual Meeting, including to vote and ask questions, stockholders of record should go to the meeting website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GYRE2024, enter the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card or Notice, and follow the instructions on the website. If your shares are held in street name and your voting instruction form or Notice indicates that you may vote those shares through www.proxyvote.com, then you may access, participate in and vote at the Annual Meeting with the 16-digit access code indicated on that voting instruction form or Notice. Otherwise, stockholders who hold their shares in street name should contact their bank, broker or other nominee (preferably at least five days before the Annual Meeting) and obtain a “legal proxy” in order to be able to attend, participate in or vote at the Annual Meeting.

We will endeavor to answer as many stockholder-submitted questions as time permits that comply with the Annual Meeting rules of conduct. We reserve the right to edit profanity or other inappropriate language and to exclude questions regarding topics that are not pertinent to meeting matters or Company business. If we receive substantially similar questions, we may group such questions together and provide a single response to avoid repetition.

The meeting webcast will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Online check-in will begin approximately 15 minutes before then, and we encourage you to allow ample time for check-in procedures. If you experience technical difficulties during the check-in process or during the meeting, please call the number listed on the meeting website for technical support. Additional information regarding the rules and procedures for participating in the Annual Meeting will be set forth in our meeting rules of conduct, which stockholders can view during the meeting at the meeting website.

What Am I Voting on?

The proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting are as follows:

How Does the Board Recommend That I Vote?

The Board recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” each director nominee in Proposal 1 and “FOR” Proposals 2, 3 and 4.

What If Another Matter Is Properly Brought before the Annual Meeting?

As of the date of filing this Proxy Statement, the Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies in the proxy card to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

How Many Votes Do I Have?

Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

What Does It Mean If I Receive More Than One Set of Proxy Materials?

If you receive more than one set of proxy materials, your shares may be registered in more than one name or held in different accounts. Please cast your vote with respect to each set of proxy materials that you receive to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

How Do I Vote?

Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your vote as early as possible in advance so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to, or are unable to, virtually attend the Annual Meeting.

Registered Stockholder: Shares Registered in Your Name

If you are the registered stockholder, you may vote your shares online during the virtual Annual Meeting (see “How Can I Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?” above) or by proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting by Internet (at www.proxyvote.com) or, if you requested paper copies of the proxy materials, by completing and mailing a proxy card or by telephone (at (800) 690-6903).

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian

If you are the beneficial owner, you may vote your shares online during the virtual Annual Meeting (see “How Can I Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?” above) or you may direct your broker, fiduciary or custodian how to vote in advance of the Annual Meeting by following the instructions they provide.

What Happens If I Do Not Vote?

Registered Stockholder: Shares Registered in Your Name

If you are the registered stockholder and do not vote in one of the ways described above, your shares will not be voted at the Annual Meeting and will not be counted toward the quorum requirement.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian

If you are the beneficial owner and do not direct your broker, fiduciary or custodian how to vote your shares, your broker, fiduciary or custodian will only be able to vote your shares with respect to proposals considered to be “routine.” Your broker, fiduciary or custodian is not entitled to vote your shares with respect to “non-routine” proposals, which we refer to as a “broker non-vote.” Whether a proposal is considered routine or non-routine is subject to stock exchange rules and final determination by the stock exchange. Even with respect to routine matters, some brokers are choosing not to exercise discretionary voting authority. As a result, we urge you to direct your broker, fiduciary or custodian how to vote your shares on all proposals to ensure that your vote is counted.

What If I Sign and Return a Proxy Card or Otherwise Vote but Do Not Indicate Specific Choices?

Registered Stockholder: Shares Registered in Your Name

The shares represented by each signed and returned proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting by the persons named as proxies in the proxy card in accordance with the instructions indicated on the proxy card. However, if you are the registered stockholder and sign and return your proxy card without giving specific instructions, the persons named as proxies in the proxy card will vote your shares in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. Your shares will be counted toward the quorum requirement.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian

If you are the beneficial owner and do not direct your broker, fiduciary or custodian how to vote your shares, your broker, fiduciary or custodian will only be able to vote your shares with respect to proposals considered to be “routine.” Your broker, fiduciary or custodian is not entitled to vote your shares with respect to “non-routine” proposals, resulting in a broker non-vote with respect to such proposals.

Can I Change My Vote after I Submit My Proxy?

Registered Stockholder: Shares Registered in Your Name

If you are the registered stockholder, you may revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting in any one of the following ways:

Your last submitted vote is the one that will be counted.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian

If you are the beneficial owner, you must follow the instructions you receive from your broker, fiduciary or custodian with respect to changing your vote.

What Is the Quorum Requirement?

The holders of one-third of the shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, either virtually or represented by proxy, must be present at the Annual Meeting to constitute a quorum. A quorum is required to transact business at the Annual Meeting.

Your shares will be counted toward the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or a valid proxy is submitted on your behalf by your broker, fiduciary or custodian) or if you attend the Annual Meeting virtually and vote. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will be counted toward the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the chair of the Annual Meeting or the holders of a majority of shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting, either virtually or represented by proxy, may adjourn the Annual Meeting to another time or date.

How Many Votes Are Required to Approve Each Proposal and How Are Votes Counted?

Votes will be counted by Broadridge Financial Solutions, the Inspector of Elections appointed for the Annual Meeting.

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

A nominee will be elected as a director at the Annual Meeting if the nominee receives a plurality of the votes cast “FOR” his or her election. “Plurality” means that the individuals who receive the highest number of votes cast “FOR” are elected as directors. Broker non-votes, if any, and votes that are withheld will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of the election. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights for the election of directors.

Proposals 2 and 3: Non-Binding Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation and Ratification of Independent Auditor Appointment

The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter is required to approve each of these proposals. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” these matters. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the outcome of these matters.

Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to Reflect Delaware Law Provisions Regarding Officer Exculpation and Certain Other Changes

The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required to approve this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the matter.

Who Is Paying for This Proxy Solicitation?

We will pay the costs associated with the solicitation of proxies, including the preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of the proxy materials. We may also reimburse brokers, fiduciaries or custodians for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares of common stock held in “street name.”

Our employees, officers and directors may solicit proxies in person or via telephone or the Internet. We will not pay additional compensation for any of these services.

How Can I Find out the Voting Results?

We expect to announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting. Final voting results will be published in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting.

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

In accordance with our Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”), the Board has fixed the number of directors constituting the Board at eight. At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders will vote to elect the three Class III director nominees named in this Proxy Statement to serve until the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Our Board has nominated Thomas Eastling, Renate Parry, Ph.D. and Rodney Nussbaum for election to our Board. Mr. Eastling was appointed to the Board in December 2022 in accordance with the certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 26, 2022, by and among the Company, GNI Japan and GNI Hong Kong. Dr. Parry was appointed to the Board in October 2023 in accordance with the Business Combination Agreement. Mr. Nussbaum was appointment to the Board in March 2024 and was initially identified for a position on our Board by other members of our Board.

Our director nominees have indicated that they are willing and able to serve as directors. However, if any of them becomes unable or, for good cause, unwilling to serve, proxies may be voted for the election of such other person as shall be designated by our Board, or the Board may decrease the size of the Board.

Information Regarding Director Nominees and Continuing Directors

Our Board is divided into three classes, with members of each class holding office for staggered three-year terms. There are currently three Class I directors, whose terms expire at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; two Class II directors, whose terms expire at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; and three Class III directors, who are up for election at this meeting for a term expiring at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Biographical and other information regarding our director nominees and directors continuing in office, including the primary skills and experiences considered by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Nominating Committee”) in determining to recommend them as nominees, is set forth below.

Class I Directors Continuing in Office

Gordon G. Carmichael, Ph.D. Dr. Carmichael has served as a director of the Company since October 2023. Since 2017, he has served as a director of the Connecticut Cell and Genome Engineering Core Facility. Dr. Carmichael has been a Professor of Genetics and Genome Sciences at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut since 2003. His research focuses on the molecular signals which control the expression and function of RNA molecules. In 2018, he was elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering. Dr. Carmichael served on National Institutes of Health review panels from 2017 to 2018, and, in 2023, as a member of the R35 Review Panel. Since 2017, he has been on the Editorial Board of the journals Biomolecules and Frontiers in Genetics and was an Associate Editor of WIREs RNA, a scientific journal, from 2010 to 2018. He was a postdoctoral fellow in virology at the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research and at Harvard Medical School and was named as a fellow of the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical

Research. Dr. Carmichael was also a research fellow and assistant professor in pathology at Harvard Medical School from 1977 to 1982. He holds a B.S. in physics from Duke University, and a Ph.D. in biophysics from Harvard University. His Ph.D. research was carried out in the lab of Nobel Laureates James Watson and Walter Gilbert.

We believe that Dr. Carmichael is qualified to serve on our Board due to his extensive and high-level experience with biomolecular research which, along with his academic expertise, provides the Board with a valuable perspective and important insight.

Songjiang Ma. Mr. Ma has served as the President and a director of the Company since October 2023. Mr. Ma has served as an executive director of our majority, indirectly owned subsidiary, Beijing Continent Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (d/b/a Gyre Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) (“Gyre Pharmaceuticals”), since January 2022 and as Honorary Chairman since April 2023. Prior to being re-designated as an executive director, Mr. Ma served as a director of Gyre Pharmaceuticals from June 2006. Mr. Ma has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Ma founded Kangdini Factory, one of the founding shareholders of Gyre Pharmaceuticals, in June 1996, and acted as its general manager from June 1996 to March 2006, and then as the supervisor since March 2006. After the incorporation of Gyre Pharmaceuticals in June 2002, he served as the vice president of Gyre Pharmaceuticals from June 2002 to July 2011 and then as the general manager since July 2011. Prior to founding Kangdini Factory, Mr. Ma served as the general manager of Beijing Pan-continental Medical Limited. Mr. Ma graduated from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunication (formerly known as Beijing College of Posts and Telecommunication) in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) in August 1978, majoring in radio technology and short-wave communication. He further obtained his master’s degree in engineering from China Electric Power Research Institute (formerly known as Electric Power Research Institute) in the PRC in September 1983.

We believe Mr. Ma is qualified to serve on our Board due to his over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and as a director, general manager and supervisor of Gyre Pharmaceuticals.

Ying Luo, Ph.D. Dr. Luo has served as a director of the Company since October 2023 and served as a member of the board of directors of Catalyst Biosciences, Inc. (“Catalyst”) from December 2022 until the Business Combination Closing. He has also served as a director, representative executive officer, president and chief executive officer of GNI Japan since 2007, Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Genomics from 2001 to 2021, chairman of the board of Gyre Pharmaceuticals since 2011, a member of the board of directors of GNI Hong Kong since 2013 and chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of Cullgen Inc. (“Cullgen”), a biotechnology company, since 2018. Dr. Luo has also served as a director of the board and President of GNI USA since 2015 and a director of Berkeley Advanced Biomaterials LLC since 2017. Dr. Luo had been a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at San Francisco studying HIV gene regulation from 1991 to 1992, a scientist at Aviron Company from 1992 to 1993, a scientist at Clontech Laboratories from 1993 to 1997 and senior scientist/director/senior director of genomics and target discovery of Rigel Inc. from 1997 to 2000, where he led research in the field of protein-protein interactions in cancer and inflammation signaling pathways. In his career, Dr. Luo has authored more than 37 research publications. Dr. Luo completed his undergraduate education at Peking Union Medical College (Peking University’s Premedicine) from 1982 to 1986 and received his doctorate in biomedical sciences from the University of Connecticut Health Center in 1991.

We believe Dr. Luo is qualified to serve on our Board because of his scientific expertise from his extensive experience in research and development at biotechnology companies, as well as his experience as an executive and director of public and private companies in the life sciences industry.

Class II Directors Continuing in Office

Nassim Usman, Ph.D. Dr. Usman has served as a director of the Company since October 2023 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Catalyst from August 2015 until the Business Combination Closing. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Catalyst Bio, Inc. (“Catalyst Bio”) from February 2006 until the completion of the merger of Catalyst Bio and Catalyst (formerly known as Targacept, Inc.) in August 2015. Dr. Usman is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Totus Medicines, an advisor to two private biotechnology companies and is a Venture Partner at Morgenthaler Ventures. Prior to joining Morgenthaler in 2005, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Sirna Therapeutics Inc., which was subsequently acquired by Merck,

from 2004 to 2005 and held various research and development positions at both Sirna and Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, including Vice President of research and development and Chief Scientific Officer, from 1992 to 2004. During his industrial career, Dr. Usman has overseen the entry of several drugs into clinical development, completion of multiple licensing deals with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and raised capital in both private and public financings. Prior to moving into the private sector in 1992, Dr. Usman was an NIH Fogarty and NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow and Scientist in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1987 to 1992. He has authored more than 70 scientific articles and is the named inventor in 130 issued patents and patent applications. Dr. Usman is a past director of Mosaic Biosciences, Principia Biopharma, Osprey Pharmaceuticals, Archemix Corporation and atugen AG (now Silence Therapeutics) and served on the science advisory boards of RXi Pharmaceuticals and Noxxon Pharma AG. He received his B.Sc. (Honours) and Ph.D. in organic chemistry from McGill University. In his doctoral dissertation, he developed a method for the solid-phase synthesis of RNA that is widely used in science and in two marketed RNA products (Macugen™ and Onpattro™).

We believe Dr. Usman is qualified to serve on our Board due to his perspective and experience as President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst and his extensive experience, both scientific and business and innovations in the field of biotechnology, particularly with companies engaged in clinical drug development. In addition, we believe Dr. Usman’s academic expertise and accomplishments provide the Board with in-depth product and field knowledge.

Han Ying, Ph.D. Dr. Ying has served as a director of the Company since October 2023 and as Chief Executive Officer since January 2024. Dr. Ying currently serves as a director of the Gene Corporation and as a director of Base Therapeutics, a biotechnology company. Dr. Ying has served as the co-founder and chief operating officer of Base Therapeutics since 2021. From 2020 to 2021, he served as the chief technology officer for Tactiva Therapeutics, an immune-oncology company. From 2017 to 2019, Dr. Ying served as the scientific founding team member for T-Cure Bioscience and as chief scientific officer in the in the biomedical sector of Sanpower Group. From 1999 to 2022, Dr. Ying served as a principal investigator at the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, where he oversaw a clinical laboratory conducting dendritic cell vaccine trials for malignant brain tumors. From 2002 to 2007, he served as a project leader in the Cancer Research Department of Berlex Biosciences. From 2007 to 2009, Dr. Ying was at Monogram Biosciences, a personalized medicine company that developed biomarkers for a selection of patients for novel targeted drugs. In 2012, Dr. Ying co-founded Immunnova, a biotech company focused on dendritic cell vaccines and antigen-specific T cells. He has consulted for several early and late-stage biotech companies in the field of cancer immunotherapy, including HRYZ and Sanpower Group, and he served as the key technical expert for the international mergers and acquisitions team that completed the acquisition of Dendreon by Sanpower Group in 2017. Dr. Ying received his Ph.D. in cancer biology from Stanford University and his B.S. and M.S. in biological studies from Beijing University. He completed his post-doctoral training at the National Cancer Institute.

We believe that Dr. Ying is qualified to serve on our Board due to his over 20 years of experience in immunology, the pharmaceutical industry, biotech startups, operations, project management and fundraising.

Class III Director Nominees

Thomas Eastling. Mr. Eastling has served as a director of the Company since October 2023 and served as a member of the board of directors of Catalyst from December 2022 until the Business Combination Closing. He has also served as a member of the board of directors and Chief Financial Officer of Cullgen since February 2018 and as an outside member of GNI Japan since April 2013 and an advisor to the executive committee of GNI Japan since September 2013. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer of GNI Japan, a vertically-integrated, multinational bio-pharma company, focused on drug research, clinical development, manufacturing, sales and marketing, from 2013 to 2021. Mr. Eastling has more than nine years of experience serving as a public company board member, as well as positions on numerous private company boards. His career covers 35 years of experience in executive management, global finance and mergers and acquisitions, with senior postings in New York, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Mr. Eastling started his career on Wall Street at Nikko Securities Co. International, Inc., where he worked from June 1983 to November 1999, rising to the position of Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Investment Banking and Syndicate Divisions. Mr. Eastling was the Company Representative in Japan for Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co., which was acquired by Fitch Ratings, Inc. in 2021, from May 2000 to June 2001 and subsequently worked as Managing Director for Softbank Corp. from July 2001 to July 2003. In 2009, he relocated to Hong Kong with American Appraisal

where he served as Director of the firm’s Transaction Advisory Services in Asia from April 2008 to August 2013. He returned to Japan in 2013 to assume the position of Chief Financial Officer and Representative Executive Officer for GNI Japan from 2013 to 2021, relocating in 2021 to Cullgen’s San Diego headquarters. Mr. Eastling has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree from the American Graduate School of International Management. He graduated from the Board Director Training Institute of Japan and is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors.

We believe Mr. Eastling is qualified to serve on our Board because of his financial expertise from his extensive experience in investment banking and as a Chief Financial Officer for various companies, as well as his experience as a director of public and private companies in the life sciences industry.

Renate Parry, Ph.D. Dr. Parry has served as a director of the Company since October 2023. Since 2020, she has served as a consultant in oncology research and development and business strategy. She worked at Varian Medical Systems (“Varian”), a medical device company, as Senior Manager from 2008 to 2012, then as Director of Translational Medicine from 2012 to 2016, and as Senior Director from 2016 to 2019, where she was responsible for developing and implementing a novel strategy to improve cancer radiation therapy while reducing radiation-induced side effects. Prior to Varian, Dr. Parry served as an oncology scientist for Berlex Biosciences, and as a research scientist at the Institute for Diagnostic Research at Schering AG. She has developed and advanced three novel drugs for oncology and fibrosis indications, advancing these programs from conception to clinical trials. Dr. Parry has authored or co-authored over 15 publications and has 15 registered patents. She received her diploma and Ph.D. in biology from the Institute of Toxicology at the Johannes-Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Germany.

We believe Dr. Parry is qualified to serve on our Board because of her over 25 years of experience in management of research and development activities in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies, including her experience and expertise in oncology research and development.

Rodney Nussbaum. Mr. Nussbaum has served as a director of the Company since March 2024. He is a retired Certified Public Accountant with nearly four decades of experience with global auditing and consulting firms. Mr. Nussbaum has served as Managing Executive of Atago Advisory, LLC, an accounting and financial reporting advisory firm, since October 2016. He was a Senior Partner at Ernst & Young in Tokyo, Japan from 2004 to 2016, a Senior Partner at KPMG in Tokyo, Japan from 2002 to 2004 and a Partner at Arthur Andersen from 1991 to 2002. During his career he has served a variety of client companies, ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to those in the Global 100, in multiple industries including technology, pharmaceutical and medical devices. While in Japan, Mr. Nussbaum worked in capital markets practices, including involvement in cross border securities offerings and Foreign Private Issuers offerings in the United States. Mr. Nussbaum has served as a director of Cullgen. since December 2018 and as a director of Zeal Senior Living, Inc. since March 2020. He previously served as a director for several non-profit organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Business Administration/Accounting from Boston University.

We believe Mr. Nussbaum is qualified to serve on our Board because of his over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance, as well as his experience with pharmaceutical and medical companies.

Board Recommendation

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the election of each of the Class III director nominees set forth above.

PROPOSAL 2: NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

In accordance with the rules of the SEC and pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, we are providing stockholders with an opportunity to make a non-binding, advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers. This non-binding advisory vote is commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” vote.

The say-on-pay vote is a non-binding vote on the compensation of our “named executive officers,” as described in this Proxy Statement in the “Executive Compensation” section, the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation and the accompanying narrative disclosure. The say-on-pay vote is not a vote on our general compensation policies or compensation of our Board. Stockholders are urged to read the “Executive Compensation” section of the Proxy Statement, which discusses how our executive compensation policies and procedures implement our compensation philosophy. Our Compensation Committee and Board believe that these policies and procedures are effective in implementing our compensation philosophy and in achieving our goals.

As an advisory vote, this proposal is not binding. However, our Board and Compensation Committee, which is responsible for designing and administering our executive compensation program, value the opinions expressed by stockholders in their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.

We are required to hold a say-on-pay vote at least once every three years, and we have determined to hold a say-on-pay vote every year. Unless the Board modifies its policy on the frequency of holding say-on-pay advisory votes, the next say-on-pay vote is expected to occur in 2025.

Board Recommendation

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.

PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR APPOINTMENT

Our Audit Committee has appointed Grant Thornton Zhitong Certified Public Accountants LLP (“Grant Thornton”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024. In this Proposal 3, we are asking stockholders to vote to ratify this appointment. Representatives of Grant Thornton are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

Stockholder ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton as the Company’s independent auditor is not required by law or our Bylaws. However, we are seeking stockholder ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If our stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the committee will reconsider its appointment. Even if the appointment is ratified, the committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent auditor at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

Grant Thornton has served as our independent auditor since November 2023. Prior to the Business Combination Closing, Grant Thornton served as auditor of Gyre Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries. The following table summarizes the audit fees billed and expected to be billed by Grant Thornton for the indicated fiscal years and the fees billed by Grant Thornton for all other services rendered during the indicated fiscal years. All services associated with such fees and provided after the Business Combination Closing were pre-approved by our Audit Committee in accordance with the “Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures” described below.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our Audit Committee has adopted procedures requiring the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services performed by our independent auditor in order to assure that these services do not impair the auditor’s independence. These procedures generally approve the performance of specific services subject to a cost limit for all such services. This general approval is reviewed, and if necessary modified, at least annually. Management must obtain the specific prior approval of the committee for each engagement of our auditor to perform other audit-related or non-audit services. The committee does not delegate its responsibility to pre-approve services performed by our auditor to any member of management. The committee has delegated authority to the committee chair to pre-approve audit and non-audit services to be provided to us by our auditor provided that the fees for such services do not exceed $100,000. Any pre-approval of services by the committee chair pursuant to this delegated authority must be reported to the committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Recent Change in Independent Auditor

Dismissal of EisnerAmper

As previously reported on the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 2, 2023, prior to the Business Combination Closing, EisnerAmper served as the independent registered public accounting firm of Catalyst. On the Business Combination Closing, following the completion of Catalyst’s audit for the year

ended December 31, 2022 and the subsequent interim periods through September 30, 2023, which consisted only of the accounts of Catalyst, and the filing of Catalyst’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Catalyst’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, the Audit Committee dismissed EisnerAmper as our independent registered public accounting firm.

EisnerAmper’s reports on Catalyst’s (for purposes of this subsection, the “Company”) consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except for the following:

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the subsequent interim period through September 30, 2023, there were: (i) no disagreements, within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions, between Catalyst and EisnerAmper on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to EisnerAmper’s satisfaction, would have caused EisnerAmper to make reference thereto in its reports; and (ii) no “reportable events” within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

Catalyst requested that EisnerAmper furnish a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements. A copy of such letter, dated November 2, 2023, was filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 2, 2023.

Appointment of Grant Thornton

On the Business Combination Closing, the Audit Committee engaged Grant Thornton as our independent registered public accounting firm.

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the subsequent interim period through September 30, 2023, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf has consulted with Grant Thornton regarding: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that Grant Thornton concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue; (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions; or (iii) any reportable event within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the Company’s management and with Grant Thornton, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has discussed with Grant Thornton the matters required to be discussed by the applicable standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the SEC. The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from Grant Thornton pursuant to applicable PCAOB requirements regarding its communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with Grant Thornton its independence. Based on the foregoing, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for filing with the SEC.

This report is provided by the following directors, who serve on the Audit Committee:

Nassim Usman, Ph.D. (Chair)

Renate Parry, Ph.D.

Board Recommendation

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.

PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO REFLECT DELAWARE LAW PROVISIONS REGARDING OFFICER EXCULPATION AND CERTAIN OTHER CHANGES

The State of Delaware, which is where we are incorporated, enacted legislation that expands exculpation protection to officers, thereby enabling companies to eliminate the monetary liability of certain officers in certain circumstances, similar to but more limited than the protection already afforded to directors under our Certificate of Incorporation. In line with the update to Delaware law, we are proposing, and are asking stockholders to approve, an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to extend the exculpation provisions to certain officers and certain other changes (the “Proposed Officer Exculpation Amendment”).

Specifically, the Proposed Officer Exculpation Amendment, which our Board has approved and declared advisable, would amend the Article NINTH as follows (additions in bold and underlined and deletions in strikethrough):

“NINTH: A director or officer of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director except for liability (a) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or (d) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit or officer, as applicable, except to the extent such exemption from liability, or limitation thereof, is not permitted under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. If the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware is hereafter amended to authorize the corporate action further elimination eliminating or limitation limiting of the personal liability of a director or officer, as applicable, then the liability of a director or officer of the corporation, as applicable, shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as so amended. Neither any amendment, Any repeal or modification of this article nor the adoption of any the foregoing provisions of this certificate of incorporation or the Bylaws Article NINTH by the stockholders of the corporation inconsistent with this article shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal, or modification or adoption.”

Purpose and Effect of the Proposed Certificate Amendment

The Board believes that it is important to extend exculpation protection to officers, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, in order to better position the Company to attract and retain qualified and experienced officers and reduce the Company’s litigation costs. In the absence of such protection, such individuals might be deterred from serving as officers due to exposure to personal liability and the risk of incurring substantial expense in defending lawsuits, regardless of merit. The nature of their role often requires officers to make decisions on crucial matters and frequently in response to time-sensitive opportunities and challenges, which can create substantial risk of lawsuits seeking to impose liability with the benefit of hindsight and regardless of merit. Aligning the protections available to our officers with those available to our directors would empower officers to exercise their business judgment in furtherance of stockholder interests without the potential for distraction posed by the risk of personal liability.

The Board also believes that the Proposed Officer Exculpation Amendment would strike the appropriate balance between furthering the Company’s goals of attracting and retaining quality officers with promoting stockholder accountability because, consistent with the update to Delaware law and subject to future Delaware law updates, the Proposed Officer Exculpation Amendment would exculpate officers only in connection with direct claims brought by stockholders, including class actions, but would not eliminate or limit liability with respect to any of the following:

Under the Proposed Officer Exculpation Amendment, and based on current Delaware law, the only officer positions eligible for exculpation would be (i) anyone serving as our President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Controller and Treasurer, (ii) any other named executive officers and (iii) any other officer who has consented to service of process in Delaware by written agreement.

Taking into account the narrow class and type of claims for which officers would be exculpated under current Delaware law, and the benefits the Board believes would accrue to the Company and its stockholders—enhancing our ability to attract and retain talented officers and potentially reducing future litigation costs and related indemnification expenses associated with frivolous lawsuits—the Board determined that the Proposed Officer Exculpation Amendment is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Certain Other Changes

The Proposed Officer Exculpation Amendment, as reflected above, also includes certain technical and other administrative changes that do not substantively affect stockholder rights, including eliminating the specific references to exemptions from liability under the Delaware General Corporation Law and replacing such references with a general reference to exemptions from liability under the Delaware General Corporation Law and other immaterial changes.

The Proposed Officer Exculpation Amendment also includes changes to update references to our Bylaws in Article EIGHTH of our Certificate of Incorporation to reflect the amendment and restatement of our Bylaws in connection with the Business Combination in October 2023 as follows (additions in bold and underlined and deletions in strikethrough):

“EIGHTH: The power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the corporation may be exercised by the Board. The stockholders shall also have the power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the corporation required by law or this certificate of incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate voting power of the then-outstanding voting shares of voting stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to adopt, amend or repeal all or any portion of Sections 13 or 14 of Article II, Section 2 of Article III, Article VIII and Section 6 of Article IX Sections 2.9 or 2.10 of Article II, Section 3.2 of Article III, Article VI and Article X of the Bylaws.”

A complete copy of our current Certificate of Incorporation is available as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Board Recommendation

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our business affairs are managed under the direction of our Board. Our Board has adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines as a framework for the governance of the Company, which is posted on our website located at https://ir.gyretx.com/corporate-governance/governance-highlights under “Governance Documents.”

Controlled Company Exemption

Because GNI Japan controls a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock, we qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”). Under these rules, we may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that a majority of our Board consist of independent directors and director nominees be selected or recommended to our Board entirely by independent directors. We rely on these exemptions. As a result, our Board does not consist of a majority of independent directors and director nominees are not selected or recommended to our Board by entirely independent directors.

Board Composition

Director Nomination Process

The Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things, discuss succession planning for the Board and key leadership roles on the Board and its committees, and identifying qualified individuals to become members of the Board to oversee management’s execution of the Company’s strategy and safeguard the long-term interests of stockholders. In this regard, the committee is charged with developing and recommending Board membership criteria to the Board for approval, evaluating the composition of the Board annually to assess the skills and experience that are currently represented on the Board and to assess the criteria that may be needed in the future, and identifying, reviewing the qualifications of and recommending potential director candidates.

In identifying potential candidates for Board membership, the Nominating Committee considers recommendations from directors, stockholders, management and others, including, from time to time, third-party search firms to assist it in locating qualified candidates. Once potential director candidates are identified, the committee, with the assistance of management, undertakes a vetting process that considers each candidate’s background, independence and fit with the Board’s priorities. As part of this vetting process, the committee, as well as other members of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), may conduct interviews with the candidates. If the committee determines that a potential candidate meets the needs of the Board and has the desired qualifications, it recommends the candidate to the full Board for appointment or nomination and to the stockholders for election at the annual meeting.

Criteria for Board Membership

In assessing potential candidates for Board membership and in assessing Board composition, the Nominating Committee considers a wide range of factors, including directors’ experience, knowledge, understanding of our business environment and specific skills they may possess that are helpful to the Company (including leadership experience, financial expertise and industry knowledge). The committee generally seeks to balance the experiences, skills and characteristics represented on the Board and does not assign specific weight to any of these factors. In addition, the Nominating Committee generally believes it is important for all Board members to possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, an inquisitive and objective perspective, a sense for priorities and balance, the ability and willingness to devote sufficient time and attention to Board matters, and a willingness to represent the long-term interests of all our stockholders.

Board Diversity

In addition to the factors discussed above, the Board and the Nominating Committee actively seek to achieve a diversity of occupational and personal backgrounds on the Board. The Nominating Committee considers a potential director candidate’s ability to contribute to the diversity of personal backgrounds on the Board, including with respect to gender, race, ethnic and national background, geography, age and sexual orientation.

The Nominating Committee assesses its effectiveness in balancing these considerations in connection with its annual evaluation of the composition of the Board. In this regard, our current Board of eight directors includes 1 director (12.5%) who self-identifies as female and 3 directors (37.5%) who self-identify as racially/ethnically diverse.

In accordance with Nasdaq’s board diversity listing standards, we are disclosing aggregated statistical information about our Board’s self-identified gender and racial characteristics and LGBTQ+ status as voluntarily confirmed to us by each of our directors.

Stockholder Recommendations for Directors

It is the Nominating Committee’s policy to consider written recommendations from stockholders for director candidates. The committee considers candidates recommended by our stockholders in the same manner as a candidate recommended by other sources. Any such recommendations should be submitted to the committee as described under “Stockholder Communications” and should include the same information required under our Bylaws for nominating a director, as described under “Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for Next Year’s Annual Meeting.”

Board Leadership Structure

We do not have a policy regarding whether the roles of the Chair and the CEO should be separate or combined, and our Board believes that we should maintain our flexibility to select the Chair and CEO and determine the appropriate leadership structure, from time to time, based on criteria that are in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders. Our Board periodically reviews its leadership structure to evaluate whether the structure remains appropriate for the Company. At any time when the Chair is not independent or there is not a Chair, the independent directors of the Board may, but is not required, to designate an independent director to serve as lead independent director.

Currently, the roles of Chair and the CEO are separate, the Chair is not an independent director, and the Board has not designated a lead independent director. Dr. Luo, President and CEO of GNI Japan (which controls a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock), serves as our Chair of the Board while Dr. Ying serves as our Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that this structure is appropriate for the Company as it reflects the Company’s status as a controlled company and the Chair’s leadership of the Board and oversight of corporate governance matters enables our CEO to focus on leading the Company’s business.

The independent directors have the opportunity to meet in executive sessions without management present at every regular Board meeting and at such other times as may be determined by the Chair. The purpose of these executive sessions is to encourage and enhance communication among the independent directors.

The Board believes that its programs for overseeing risk, as described under “Board Risk Oversight,” would be effective under a variety of leadership frameworks. Accordingly, the Board’s risk oversight function did not significantly impact its selection of the current leadership structure.

Director Independence

Our Board determines the independence of our directors by applying the applicable rules, regulations and listing standards of Nasdaq. These provide that a director is independent only if the Board affirmatively determines that the director does not have a relationship with us which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. They also specify various relationships that preclude a determination of director independence. Such relationships may include employment, commercial, accounting, family and other business, professional and personal relationships.

Applying these standards, our Board reviews the independence of our directors, taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances. After considering the foregoing factors, our Board has determined that the following members of our Board are currently independent: Drs. Carmichael, Usman and Parry and Mr. Nussbaum. Mr. Eastling is not independent as he is married to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Luo is not independent as he is President and Chief Executive Officer of GNI Japan, Mr. Ma is not independent as he is our President and Dr. Ying is not independent as he is our Chief Executive Officer.

All members of our Audit Committee must be independent directors under the applicable rules, regulations and listing standards of Nasdaq. Members of the Audit Committee also must satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We are electing not to avail ourselves of the controlled company exemption for compensation committees, and, as a result all members of our Compensation Committee must be independent directors under the applicable rules, regulations and listing standards of Nasdaq and must satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C under the Exchange Act. Our Board has determined that all members of our Audit Committee and Compensation Committee are independent and satisfy the relevant independence requirements for such committees.

Board Committees

Our Board has a separately designated Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee, each of which has the composition and responsibilities described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our Board. Each of these committees is empowered to retain outside advisors as it deems appropriate, regularly reports its activities to the full Board and has a written charter, which is posted on our website located at https://ir.gyretx.com/corporate-governance/governance-highlights under “Governance Documents.”

Audit Committee. The primary responsibilities of our Audit Committee are to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company, including the audits of the Company’s financial statements, the integrity of the financial statements and the annual review of the performance, qualifications and independence of the outside auditor. This includes reviewing the financial information provided to stockholders and others and the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls. The committee also makes recommendations to the Board as to whether financial statements should be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Dr. Usman qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in the rules and regulations established by the SEC, and all members of the Audit Committee are “financially literate” under Nasdaq listing rules.

Compensation Committee. The primary responsibilities of our Compensation Committee are to periodically review and approve the compensation and other benefits for our executive officers and directors. This includes reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our CEO, evaluating the performance of our CEO in light of the goals and objectives and setting or recommending to the Board the CEO’s compensation based on the committee’s evaluation. The committee also oversees the evaluation of other executive officers and sets or recommends to the Board the compensation of such executive officers based upon the recommendation of the CEO and administers and makes recommendations to the Board regarding equity incentive plans that are subject to the Board’s approval and approves the grant of equity awards under the plans.

The Compensation Committee may delegate its duties and responsibilities to one or more subcommittees. The committee may also delegate authority to review and approve the compensation of our employees to certain of our executive officers. Even where the committee does not delegate authority, our executive officers will typically make recommendations to the committee regarding compensation to be paid to our employees and the size of equity awards under our equity incentive plans but will not be present during voting or deliberations on their own compensation. The committee has the authority to engage outside advisors, such as compensation consultants, to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities. The committee engaged Aon/Radford in 2023 to provide advice regarding the amount and form of executive and director compensation.

Nominating Committee. The primary responsibilities of our Nominating Committee are to discuss succession planning for the Board and key leadership roles on the Board and its committees, identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board, recommend director candidates to the Board, including for election or reelection to the Board at each annual stockholders’ meeting, and perform a leadership role in shaping the Company’s corporate governance. In addition, the committee is responsible for developing and recommending to the Board criteria for identifying and evaluating qualified director candidates and developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles. The committee is also responsible for making recommendations to the Board concerning the size, structure, composition and functioning of the Board and its committees.

Board Risk Oversight

We believe that risk management is an important part of establishing and executing on the Company’s business strategy. Our Board, as a whole and at the committee level, focuses its oversight on the most significant risks facing the Company and on the Company’s processes to identify, prioritize, assess, manage and mitigate those risks. The committees oversee specific risks within their purview, as follows:

Our Board and its committees receive regular reports from members of the Company’s senior management on areas of material risk to the Company, including strategic, operational, financial, legal and regulatory risks. While our Board has an oversight role, management is principally tasked with direct responsibility for assessing and managing risks, including implementing processes and controls to mitigate their effects on the Company.

Other Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

Director Attendance

The Board met two times from and after the Business Combination Closing. Following the Business Combination Closing through the end of 2023, each current member of the Board attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the committees on which he or she served during the period in which he or she was on the Board or committee.

Directors are encouraged to attend the annual meeting of stockholders. Our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be our first annual meeting of stockholders following the completion of the Business Combination.

Stockholder Communications

Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with our Board or a particular director by sending a letter addressed to the Board or a particular director to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement. These communications will be compiled and reviewed by our Corporate Secretary, who will determine whether the communication is appropriate for presentation to the Board or the particular director. The purpose of this screening is to allow the Board to avoid having to consider irrelevant or inappropriate communications (such as advertisements, solicitations and hostile communications).

As a general matter, the management team, including the CEO, President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, serve as the primary spokespersons for the Company and are responsible for communicating with various constituencies, including stockholders, on behalf of the Company. Directors may participate in discussions with stockholders and other constituencies on issues where Board-level involvement is appropriate. In addition, the Board oversees the Company’s stockholder engagement efforts.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Our Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that establishes the standards of ethical conduct applicable to all our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions. It addresses, among other matters, compliance with laws and policies, conflicts of interest, corporate opportunities, regulatory reporting, external communications, confidentiality requirements, insider trading, proper use of assets and how to report compliance concerns. A copy of the code is available on our website located at https://ir.gyretx.com/corporate-governance/governance-highlights under “Governance Documents.” We intend to disclose any amendments to the code, or any waivers of its requirements, on our website to the extent required by applicable rules. Our Board is responsible for applying and interpreting the code in situations where questions are presented to it.

Clawback Policy

In October 2023, we adopted an Incentive Compensation Clawback Policy that is intended to comply with the requirements of Nasdaq Listing Standard 5608 implementing Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act. In the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of the Company’s financial statements due to material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws, the Company will recover on a reasonably prompt basis the amount of any incentive-based compensation received by any covered executive during the prior three fiscal years that exceeds the amount that the executive otherwise would have received had the incentive-based compensation been determined based on the restated financial statements.

Anti-Hedging Policy

We have a policy that prohibits our directors, officers, employees and consultants from engaging in (a) short-term trading; (b) short sales; (c) transactions involving publicly traded options or other derivatives, such as trading in puts or calls with respect to Company securities; and (d) hedging transactions.

Director Compensation

The following table provides information for the year ended December 31, 2023 regarding all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each person who served as a non-employee director for some portion of 2023. Employees who served on our Board during 2023 did not receive additional compensation for such service.

Non-Employee Director Compensation Arrangements

Each of our non-employee directors receives compensation pursuant to the non-employee director cash and equity compensation program adopted by our Board. This program provides for the following annual cash retainers:

In addition, each non-employee director who initially joins our Board receives an initial grant of stock options to purchase 1,866 shares of our common stock. The initial stock option grants vest in equal monthly installments over three years.

In connection with the Business Combination, and in lieu of annual equity grants, each non-employee director serving immediately following the Business Combination received a grant of stock options to purchase 1,866 shares of our common stock in October 2023, which stock options vest in equal monthly installments over one year or, if earlier, upon the date of the Annual Meeting.

Each non-employee director who is serving as of the date of the Annual Meeting will receive a grant of stock options to purchase 1,866 shares of our common stock. Annual stock option grants vest in equal monthly installments over one year or, if earlier, upon the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

In addition, all non-employee directors are reimbursed their reasonable travel expenses incurred in attending board and committee meetings.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Biographical and other information regarding our executive officers, who are appointed by the Board and serve at the Board’s discretion, is set forth below. Other than Ms. Chen and Mr. Eastling, who are husband and wife, there are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Ruoyu Chen. Ms. Chen has served as our Chief Financial Officer since October 2023. She has also served as a director of Gyre Pharmaceuticals since 2018. Ms. Chen previously served as senior vice president of finance of GNI USA from 2021 until the Business Combination Closing, where she was primarily responsible for managing the business of GNI Japan in the United States. Ms. Chen has over 20 years of management experience working for multinational companies in departments such as global finance, audit, internal control, taxation, administration and mergers and acquisitions. From 2014 to 2021, Ms. Chen served as the director of finance and accounting of GNI Japan and directly reported to the chief financial officer of GNI Japan. In this role, she led investments, financing, financial reporting, and public company disclosure, and was responsible for budget management and financial analysis. From 2012 to 2014, Ms. Chen worked as a manager of the internal audit division at Protiviti Japan. From 2007 to 2011, she worked at BDO International Japan as an auditor. From 1999 to 2003, Ms. Chen worked at Arthur Andersen Japan, where she participated in strategic consulting projects that implemented the enterprise resource planning systems at several Japanese multinational companies. From 1997 to 1999, she worked as a corporate strategy consultant for Mitsubishi UFJ Consulting and Research Japan. Ms. Chen holds a bachelor’s degree from Nankai University in the PRC and a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Economics at Kyoto University in Japan. She is a certified public accountant in Washington State and a CFA Level 2 candidate.

Weiguo Ye. Mr. Ye has served as our Chief Operating Officer since October 2023 and as Gyre Pharmaceuticals’ director and president since April 2023, where he is primarily responsible for the overall management and operation of Gyre Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Ye has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to his current position with Gyre Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Ye held a series of positions at Gyre Pharmaceuticals of increasing responsibility, including as a sales director from December 2016 to September 2017, vice president from September 2017 to May 2018, executive vice president from May 2018 to April 2023 and chief operating officer from January 2021 to April 2023. Prior to joining Gyre Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Ye had over 18 years of sales management experience. Mr. Ye served as the marketing vice president of Hubei Monyan Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. from March 2015 to November 2016 and as the grand area manager and then national sales director of Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. from November 2011 to February 2015. He worked at Shanghai Roche Pharmaceutical Ltd. from August 1997 to November 2011, with his last position as the regional sales manager. Mr. Ye obtained his undergraduate diploma in applied pharmacy through online learning from Peking University in the PRC in July 2009. He further obtained his executive master of business administration degree from China Europe International Business School in the PRC in August 2021.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

As a smaller reporting company, we have opted to comply with the scaled executive compensation disclosure rules applicable to smaller reporting companies, which requires compensation disclosure for our principal executive officer during 2023 and each of our two other most highly compensated executive officers during 2023. We refer to these individuals as “named executive officers” or “NEOs.” For the year ended December 31, 2023, our named executive officers and the positions each held as of December 31, 2023 were:

2023 Summary Compensation Table

The following table presents all of the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Elements of the Company’s Executive Compensation Program

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the compensation for each named executive officer generally consisted of a base salary, performance-based bonus, standard employee benefits, and grants of stock options under the Company’s equity plan. These elements (and the amounts of compensation and benefits under each element) were selected because the Company believes they are necessary to help attract and retain executive talent which is fundamental to its success. Below is a more detailed summary of the current executive compensation program as it relates to the Company’s named executive officers.

Base Salary

The named executive officers receive a base salary to compensate them for services rendered to the Company. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role, and responsibilities. Each named executive officer’s initial base salary was provided in his or her employment agreement, as applicable, and the base salaries of our executives are generally reviewed and, if appropriate, adjusted on an annual basis.

The table below sets forth the base salary as of December 31, 2023 for each NEO that was employed with us at such time:

The actual base salary paid to each named executive officer for the year ended 2023 is set forth above in the Summary Compensation Table in the column entitled “Salary.”

2023 Bonuses

The Company maintains a cash-based incentive compensation program in which certain of its employees, including its named executive officers, are eligible to receive bonuses based on business and performance goals. Such awards are designed to incentivize the named executive officers with a variable level of compensation that is based on performance measures established by the Company’s Compensation Committee that are tied to pre-defined business and personal goals and objectives.

No bonuses were paid to any NEO in respect of the 2023 performance period.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

The Company maintains the Gyre Therapeutics, Inc. 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan, referred to as the 2023 Plan, in order to facilitate the grant of equity incentives to directors, employees (including the named executive officers), consultants and other service providers of the Company and its affiliates to obtain and retain the services of these individuals, which is essential to its long-term success.

Ms. Chen received an award of 34,380 fully vested stock options upon the closing of the Business Combination in recognition of her efforts in connection with the transaction and to incentivize her to drive value in the future as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

Prior to the closing of the Business Combination, Gyre Pharmaceuticals maintained the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, referred to as the BC Plan, under which it had granted awards of stock options to certain employees, referred to as BC Options. Effective upon the closing of the Business Combination, the BC Plan and all BC Options outstanding thereunder were terminated and, immediately thereafter, new awards of options to purchase shares of the Company were granted to BC Option holders, the terms and conditions of which are substantially similar in all material respects to the BC Options, except that all such new options are fully vested and exercisable. Ms. Chen, Mr. Wu and Mr. Ye each previously held BC Options and received such replacement awards of Company stock options.

Employment Agreements

The Company has entered into employment agreements with each NEO, as well as with Dr. Ying, the key terms of which are described below.

Wu Employment Agreement

In connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, on October 30, 2023, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Wu (the “Wu Employment Agreement”). The Wu Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Wu is entitled to an initial annual base salary of $300,000 and eligibility for an annual performance bonus based on the Company’s achievement of targets and milestones as determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In addition, pursuant to the Wu Employment Agreement, Dr. Wu is subject to (i) a non-solicitation restriction covering the Company’s employees and consultants for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment with the Company for any reason, (ii) a perpetual non-disparagement restriction, and (iii) a perpetual restriction on his disclosure of the Company’s confidential information.

Chen Employment Agreement

In connection with her appointment as Interim Chief Financial Officer on October 30, 2023, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Chen (the “Chen Employment Agreement”). The Chen

Employment Agreement provides that Ms. Chen is entitled to an initial annual base salary of $250,000 and eligibility for an annual performance bonus based on the Company’s achievement of targets and milestones as determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In addition, pursuant to the Chen Employment Agreement, Ms. Chen is subject to (i) a non-solicitation restriction covering the Company’s employees and consultants for a period of 12 months following her termination of employment with the Company for any reason, (ii) a perpetual non-disparagement restriction, and (iii) a perpetual restriction on her disclosure of the Company’s confidential information.

Ye Labor Contract

Mr. Ye is party to a standard labor contract with Gyre Pharmaceuticals, which generally provides for a monthly base salary and eligibility for standard welfare and retirement benefits.

Ying Employment Agreement

As discussed above, Dr. Wu retired and resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer effective on January 15, 2024. The Board appointed Dr. Ying Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective January 15, 2024. In connection with his appointment, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Ying (the “Ying Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which he is entitled to an annual base salary of $350,000 and eligibility for an annual performance bonus based on the Company’s achievement of targets and milestones as determined by the Company’s board of directors. In addition, Dr. Ying is subject to (i) a non-solicitation restriction covering the Company’s employees and consultants for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment with the Company for any reason, (ii) a perpetual non-disparagement restriction, and (iii) a perpetual restriction on his disclosure of the Company’s confidential information.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2023 Fiscal-Year End Table

The following table sets forth information regarding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2023.

Additional Narrative Disclosure

Retirement Benefits

The Company maintains a tax-qualified 401(k) retirement savings plan for its employees in the United States, including Ms. Chen, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. The named executive officers are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on the same terms as other full-time employees, including matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 4% of applicable employee contributions. The Company does not maintain any defined benefit pension plans or nonqualified deferred compensation plans.

Mr. Ye participates in the statutorily required pension plan in China, pursuant to which we make contributions of a percentage of Mr. Ye’s base salary on the same terms as other full-time employees based in China.

Employee Benefits and Perquisites

All of the Company’s full-time employees in the United States are eligible to participate in health and welfare plans, including medical, dental and vision benefits, short-term and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.

The Company believes the benefits described above are necessary and appropriate to provide a competitive compensation package to its employees, including the named executive officers.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Pursuant to the terms of each of the Wu Employment Agreement, the Chen Employment Agreement and the Ying Employment Agreement, upon the termination of, as applicable, Dr. Wu’s, Ms. Chen’s or Dr. Ying’s employment by the Company without “Cause” or by the applicable NEO for “Good Reason”, then such NEO will be entitled, in addition to any accrued amounts and subject to the execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims in favor of the Company, to (i) twelve (12) months’ salary continuation, (ii) up to 12 months of partially subsidized COBRA coverage, and (iii) accelerated vesting of any outstanding equity awards scheduled to vest in the twelve (12) month period immediately following such termination.

As used in each of the Wu Employment Agreement, Chen Employment Agreement and the Ying Employment Agreement:

reasonably directed by the Board (other than due to disability), (D) engaging or having engaged in any acts constituting breach of fiduciary duty, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or any of the executive’s services provided to or for the Company, or (E) material breach of his employment agreement, any other material agreement with the Company, or any internal policies or procedures of the Company in effect from time to time.

Dr. Wu was not entitled to, nor did he receive, any severance or other termination-related payments in connection with his retirement and resignation from the Company on January 15, 2024.

Pay-Versus-Performance

Our Compensation Committee approves and administers our executive compensation program to align executive compensation with stockholder interests by linking pay to performance. Our overall compensation program includes a mix of short-term and long-term components through our annual incentive plan and equity awards. As required by Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between the compensation actually paid to our named executive officers and certain aspects of our financial performance. We are a smaller reporting company pursuant to Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and, as such, are only required to include information for the past three fiscal years in the table below.

Pay-Versus-Performance Table

Prior to the Business Combination, Mr. Ma served as the Executive Director and General Manager of Gyre Pharmaceuticals and in such capacity was its “principal executive officer”.

The dollar amounts reported in these columns represent the amount of total compensation reported for each of Dr. Wu and Mr. Ma (collectively, our “PEOs”) for each covered fiscal year in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table for each applicable year.

Analysis of Information Presented in the Pay Versus Performance Table

In accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following descriptions of the relationships between information presented in the Pay Versus Performance table above.

Compensation Actually Paid and Company TSR

The following graph displays the compensation actually paid to our NEOs compared to our TSR.

 

Compensation Actually Paid and Net Income

The following graph displays our compensation actually paid compared to our net income.

 

CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COMMON STOCK

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The following table sets forth information, to the extent known by us or ascertainable from public filings, with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 19, 2024 by:

The column entitled “Shares Beneficially Owned” is based on a total of 85,423,246 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 19, 2024.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to our common stock. Shares of our common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table are considered outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding the options for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of that person but not for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise noted, the persons and entities in this table have sole voting and investing power with respect to all of the shares of our common stock beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws, where applicable. Except as otherwise indicated in the table below, addresses of named beneficial owners are in care of Gyre Therapeutics, Inc., 12770 High Bluff Drive, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92130.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. To our knowledge, based solely on our review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the SEC or written representations that no Form 5 was required, during the year ended December 31, 2023, we believe that all of our directors, officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities timely filed all reports required under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, except that, due to administrative errors, one Form 4 to report one transaction for each of GNI USA, Dr. Luo and Mr. Ma was not timely filed during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table presents information as of December 31, 2023 with respect to compensation plans under which shares of our common stock may be issued.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Other than the executive officer and director compensation arrangements discussed above under “Corporate Governance—Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation,” below we describe the transactions to which we were a party since January 1, 2022, in which the amount involved exceeded $120,000 and in which our directors, executive officers, holders of more than 5% of our common stock, or members of their immediate family had a direct or indirect material interest.

Related Party Transactions

Research and Development Services

During the year ended December 31, 2022, Gyre Pharmaceuticals received from Shanghai Genomics operations, consulting, advisory and related services in connection with Gyre Pharmaceuticals’ research and development efforts relating to Hydronidone and paid Shanghai Genomics an aggregate amount of $170,367 for such services. These fees were paid to Shanghai Genomics in amounts mutually agreed upon in advance by Gyre Pharmaceuticals and Shanghai Genomics in consideration of certain services and materials provided to Gyre Pharmaceuticals on an as-needed basis, from time to time and at Gyre Pharmaceuticals’ request. Such fees were paid pursuant to invoices submitted to Gyre Pharmaceuticals by Shanghai Genomics from time to time.

Indemnification Agreements

Catalyst entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and with each executive officer. Pursuant to the indemnification agreements, Catalyst agreed to indemnify and hold harmless these directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. The agreements generally cover expenses that a director or officer incurs or amounts that a director or officer becomes obligated to pay because of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party or participant by reason of his or her service as a current or former director, officer, employee or agent of Catalyst. The agreements also provide for the advancement of expenses to the directors and officers subject to specified conditions. There are certain exceptions to Catalyst’s obligation to indemnify the directors and officers, including any intentional malfeasance or act where the director or officer did not in good faith believe he or she was acting in Catalyst’s best interests, with respect to “short-swing” profit claims under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and, with certain exceptions, with respect to proceedings that he or she initiates.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. Each indemnification agreement provides for indemnification and advancements by us of certain expenses and costs relating to claims, suits or proceedings arising from each individual’s service to us as an officer or director, as applicable, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

Related Party Transaction Policy

Our Board has a written policy regarding the review and approval or ratification by our Audit Committee of related person transactions. For purposes of our policy only, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships between us or any of our subsidiaries and any related person in which the aggregate amount involved since the beginning of our last completed fiscal year exceeds or is expected to exceed $120,000 and such related person has or will have a direct or indirect interest. A related person is defined to include any executive officers, directors or director nominees or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock and any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons. In determining to approve or ratify any such transaction, our Audit Committee is expected to take into account, among other factors it deems appropriate, whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee or director, among other limited exceptions, are deemed under the terms of the policy to have standing pre-approval by the Audit Committee but may be specifically reviewed if appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances. Any director who is a related person with respect to a transaction under review is not permitted to participate in the deliberations (other than to provide information concerning the transaction to the Audit Committee) or vote on approval of the transaction.

OTHER MATTERS

Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for Next Year’s Annual Meeting

Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, stockholders who wish to submit proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must send such proposals to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement. Such proposals must be received by us as of the close of business (6:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on December 30, 2024 and must comply with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. The submission of a stockholder proposal does not guarantee that it will be included in the proxy statement.

As set forth in our Bylaws, if a stockholder intends to make a nomination for director election or present a proposal for other business (other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act) at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholder’s notice must be received by our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement no earlier than the 120th day and no later than the close of business (6:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on the 90th day before the anniversary of the last annual meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, the stockholder’s notice must be delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the date on which the first public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is made by the Company. Therefore, unless the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary of the Annual Meeting, notice of proposed nominations or proposals (other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act) must be received by our Corporate Secretary no earlier than February 12, 2025 and no later than the close of business on March 14, 2025. Any such director nomination or stockholder proposal must be a proper matter for stockholder action and must comply with the terms and conditions set forth in our Bylaws (which includes the timing and information required under Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act). If a stockholder fails to meet these deadlines or fails to satisfy the requirements of Rule 14a-4 of the Exchange Act, we may exercise discretionary voting authority under proxies we solicit to vote on any such proposal as we determine appropriate. We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order or take other appropriate action with respect to any nomination or proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.

Delivery of Documents to Stockholders Sharing an Address

A number of brokerage firms have adopted a procedure approved by the SEC called “householding.” Under this procedure, certain stockholders who have the same address and do not participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive only one copy of the proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement, the Notice and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, until such time as one or more of these stockholders notifies us that they wish to receive individual copies. This procedure helps to reduce duplicate mailings and save printing costs and postage fees, as well as natural resources. If you received a “householding” mailing this year and would like to have additional copies of the proxy materials mailed to you, please send a written request to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement, or call (858) 567-7770, and we will promptly deliver the proxy materials to you. Please contact your broker if you received multiple copies of the proxy materials and would prefer to receive a single copy in the future, or if you would like to opt out of “householding” for future mailings.

Availability of Additional Information

We will provide, free of charge, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including exhibits, upon the written or oral request of any stockholder of the Company. Please send a written request to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement, or call the number above.