# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001937993
**File Stem:** 0001213900-26-064744
**Filing Date:** 2026-6
**Character Count:** 36627
**Document Hash:** 71973ce6a2b3ff2e122fb7ff4c1e765c
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001213900-26-064744.hdr.sgml**: 20260603

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001213900-26-064744

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 12

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260528

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260603

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260603

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001937993
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 03 Life Sciences
- **EIN:** 880860746
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-41596
- **FILM NUMBER:** 261061025

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 822 A1A NORTH
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 306
- **CITY:** PONTE VEDRA
- **STATE:** FL
- **ZIP:** 32082
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 904-300-0701

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 822 A1A NORTH
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 306
- **CITY:** PONTE VEDRA
- **STATE:** FL
- **ZIP:** 32082

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): **May 28, 2026**

**Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.**

*(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)*

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **001-41596** | **88-0860746** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction<br> of incorporation)** | **(Commission File Number)** | **(IRS Employer<br> Identification No.)** |

---

**822 A1A North, Suite 306**

**Ponte Vedra, Florida 32082**

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

**(904) 300-0701**

(Registrant's telephone number including area code)

**N/A**

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of registrant under any of the following provisions (*see* General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbols** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share | CVKD | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq Capital Market) |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

**Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.**

On May 28, 2026, Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company") and Matthew K. Szot mutually agreed to his transition from the role of Chief Financial Officer, effective May 28, 2026. Effective immediately after Mr. Szot's termination, the Company appointed Quang X. Pham, its Chief Executive Officer, as interim Chief Financial Officer and interim Principal Accounting Officer, to serve until a permanent Chief Financial Officer is appointed. Mr. Pham's biography is below. The Company is in the process of conducting a search for Mr. Szot's replacement.

On June 3, 2026, the Company entered into a separation and release agreement (the "Severance Agreement") with Mr. Szot. Pursuant to the Severance Agreement, Mr. Szot will receive (i) as severance, the gross amount of Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand Eight Hundred Six ($365,806.00) Dollars (the "Severance Payment"), to be paid in four equal payments of $91,451.50 on each of the day following expiration of the Revocation Period (defined below), July 3, 2026, August 3, 2026 and September 3, 2026, less standard deductions and withholdings, (ii) his annual target cash bonus for fiscal 2026 in the amount of Two Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Three Dollars ($237,903.00), less standard deductions and withholdings, to be paid in two equal payments of $118,951.50 on each of the day following expiration of the Revocation Period and July 3, 2026, and (iii) accelerated vesting of all outstanding stock options issued to him, which shall remain exercisable until their original expiration date. Within seven days of Mr. Szot's execution of the Severance Agreement, he may revoke the terms thereof. Therefore, the Severance Agreement shall not be effective or enforceable until the seven-day revocation period (the "Revocation Period") has expired. The Severance Agreement contains a general release of all claims against the Company and its current and former officers, directors, employees, and agents, and a non-disparagement clause relating to the Company or any released party.

The foregoing description of the Severance Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the Severance Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Quang X. Pham, age 61, has served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer since he formed the Company. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and co-founder of Espero BioPharma, Inc. ("Espero"), the previous sponsor of the tecarfarin IND, since its formation in March 2015 until July 2020, at which time a petition for assignment for the benefit of creditors was filed in the Delaware Chancery Court, seeking an assignment of Espero's assets. He then served as a consultant to HESP LLC, the assignee of Espero, from July 2020 until December 2021. From February 2012 to August 2015, Mr. Pham was a partner with D+R LATHIAN, LLC, a life sciences multichannel marketing agency. Prior to joining D+R LATHIAN, he founded and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lathian Systems, Inc., a digital and database marketing company serving the pharmaceutical industry from 2000 until 2003 and from 2008 until 2012, when the company was acquired by D&R Communications, LLC in February 2012. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UCLA and served as a U.S. Marine Corps Officer.

There are no family relationships between Mr. Pham and any of the Company's directors or executive officers. In addition, except as set forth above, Mr. Pham is not a party to any transaction, or series of transactions, required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

**Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

(d) Exhibits

The following exhibits are furnished with this Current Report on Form 8-K:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br> Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
| 10.1 | [Severance and Release Letter Agreement, dated June 3, 2026, between Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. and Matthew Szot](ea029345801ex10-1.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within in the inline XBRL document) |

---

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Dated: June 3, 2026 | **CADRENAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.** | **CADRENAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.** |
|  | By: | /s/ Quang X. Pham |
|  | Name: | Quang X. Pham |
|  | Title: | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1**

**CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE**

This Confidential Separation Agreement and General Release (the "<u>Agreement</u>") is dated as of June 3, 2026, and entered into by and between Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with each and every of its predecessors, successors (by merger or otherwise), partners, affiliates, joint venture partners, divisions, directors, officers, insurers, employees and agents, whether present or former, the "<u>Company</u>"), and Matthew K. Szot (hereinafter referred to as "<u>you</u>," or "<u>your</u>"), to set forth our mutual agreement relating to your separation from employment with the Company. Any and all capitalized terms not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement (as defined below).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements and promises hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Separation</u>. You were notified by the Company that your employment and role as Chief Financial Officer of the Company was terminated. The final date of your active employment with the Company was May 28, 2026 (the "<u>Separation Date</u>"). As of the Separation Date: (a) all salary and benefits ceased unless specifically provided for herein; and (b) your employment with the Company ended without the need for any further act or deed, from any offices or positions you hold with the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Earned Compensation</u>. The Company has paid your final wages for all accrued and unpaid Base Salary, including any accrued but unused vacation, in accordance with the Company's standard payroll practices through the Separation Date, and final wages have been paid on or before the Separation Date. You will also be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable business expenses incurred as of the Separation Date in accordance with the Company's expense reimbursement policy. You receive the earned compensation and reimbursement of business expenses even if you do not sign this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Consideration, Separation Payments, and Benefits</u>. Provided that you are in compliance with your obligations pursuant to this Agreement and Section 8 of the employment agreement entered into between you and the Company dated January 24, 2023, as amended May 25, 2023 (the "<u>Employment Agreement</u>"), including your execution of this Agreement and the expiration of the Revocation Period (as defined herein) and in consideration of your release of any and all claims, including employment-related claims, you might have against the Released Parties (as defined herein), the Company agrees to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Severance Payment*. Pay as severance, the gross amount of Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand Eight Hundred Six ($365,806.00) Dollars (the "<u>Severance Payment</u>"), to be paid in four equal payments of $91,451.50 on each of the day following expiration of the Revocation Period (as defined herein), July 3, 2026, August 3, 2026, and September 3, 2026 in accordance with the Company's standard payroll procedures. The Severance Payment will be net of and reduced by all applicable tax withholdings and other required amounts. You acknowledge and agree that (i) your right to the Severance Payment is expressly conditioned on your compliance with the terms of this Agreement and, except as otherwise expressly stated herein, with all post-employment obligations set forth in the Employment Agreement and the Proprietary Information, Inventions and Confidentiality Agreement (the "<u>PIICA</u>") attached hereto as **Exhibit A**, each of which are incorporated into this Agreement by this reference and shall remain in full force and effect following the Separation Date; and (ii) if you fail to comply with such post-employment obligations, you shall forfeit any of the Severance Payments paid hereunder in accordance with Section 8(c) of the Employment Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Accrued Target Cash Bonus.* Pay an amount equal to the full Target Cash Bonus for fiscal year 2026, in the gross amount of Two Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Three Dollars ($237,903.00), less standard deductions and withholdings, to be paid in two equal payments of $118,951.50 on each of the day following expiration of the Revocation Period (as defined herein) and July 3, 2026 (the "<u>Accrued Target Cash Bonus</u>");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Equity Acceleration and Option Exercise Extension*. Accelerate and vest all of your outstanding stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards, as may be applicable, with respect to the Company's Common Stock such that one hundred percent (100%) of such equity awards shall be deemed vested and fully exercisable, and each of your outstanding stock options shall remain exercisable until such stock option's original expiration date (the "<u>Accelerated Vesting</u>"); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) *COBRA Premiums*. Your health benefits will run through the Separation Date. Thereafter, you may choose to continue medical coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("<u>COBRA</u>"). Information on COBRA and the elections process will be sent to you under separate cover. If you choose to continue medical coverage pursuant to COBRA, you will be responsible for paying your COBRA premiums to continue your coverage (including coverage for your eligible dependents, if applicable).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>No Additional Payments or Benefits</u>. You acknowledge and agree that, except for (a) the Severance Payment; (b) the Accrued Target Cash Bonus; (c) the Accelerated Vesting; (d) approved, unreimbursed business expenses; and (e) any other payments contemplated in <u>Section 3</u> this Agreement, you will receive no additional payments or benefits other than as set forth herein or as required by law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>General Release of Claims</u>. In exchange for the promises herein which you acknowledge as good and valuable consideration, and except as provided in <u>Section 6</u> below, effective on the date of this Agreement, you release and discharge the Company and its past, present and future parents, divisions, subsidiaries, and affiliates, predecessors, successors and assigns, and its and their past, present, and future officers, directors, members, managers, partners, attorneys, employees, independent contractors, agents, clients, franchisees, franchisors, and representatives ("<u>Released Parties</u>") from any and all actions, causes of action, debts, dues, claims and demands of every name and nature, without limitation, at law, in equity, or administrative, against the Released Parties which you may have had, now have, or may have, by reason of any matter or thing arising up to the Separation Date, including the ending of your employment. Those claims and causes of action from which you release the Released Parties include, but are not limited to, any known or unknown claim or action sounding in tort, contract, or discrimination of any kind, and/or any cause of action arising under federal, state or local constitution, statute or ordinance, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Equal Pay Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) (regarding unvested benefits), the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Section 1981 of U.S.C. Title 42, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990 (OWBPA), the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, any claims arising under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Government Code Section 12900 et seq.); the California Family Rights Act (Government Code Section 12945.2); the California Labor Code; the California Constitution, or any other applicable federal, state, or local law prohibiting discrimination; the California Equal Pay Act; the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civil Code Section 51); the California Business and Professions Code Section 17200 et seq.; the applicable California Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Order, all as amended together with all of their respective implementing regulations and/or any other federal, state, local or foreign law (statutory, regulatory or otherwise) that may be legally waived and released, and/or any claim for attorneys' fees or costs, whether presently accrued, accruing to, or to accrue to you on account of, arising out of, or in any way connected with any acts or activities by you or the Released Parties arising up to the Separation Date. You expressly acknowledge that no claim or cause of action against the Released Parties from the beginning of time to the Separation Date (other than as provided in <u>Section 6</u> below) shall be deemed to be outside the scope of this Agreement whether mentioned herein or not. You agree that this release should be interpreted as broadly as possible to achieve your intention to waive, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any and all claims against the Released Parties.

 

 

*Waiver of California Civil Code Section 1542*. You acknowledge that you have read and understand Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which reads as follows:

"A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party."

You hereby expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect with respect to the release of any unknown or unsuspected claims you may have against the Released Parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>Rights and Claims Preserved</u>. Notwithstanding the broad scope of the release in <u>Section 5</u> above, the release in <u>Section 5</u> above is not intended to bar any claims that, as a matter of law, whether by statute or otherwise, may not be waived, such as Claims (as defined in <u>Section 12</u> below) for workers' compensation benefits, unemployment insurance benefits, violation of the ADEA, and violation of SEC rules. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to interfere with administrative proceedings, such as an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation, provided however, that you expressly release and waive any and all rights to individual recovery of any type from the Company (except as related to SEC or whistleblower claims or as restricted by applicable laws), including back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, liquidated or punitive damages, attorneys' fees, reinstatement, or any other benefit, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, whether under the laws of the United States or any other Country, and whether brought by you or on your behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein. In the event that you successfully assert any ADEA Claims, and you are not awarded damages, You shall be required to give back the consideration set forth, to the extent not prohibited by federal law and the regulations of the EEOC, as a set-off against such damages. Nothing in this Agreement prevents you from filing a lawsuit limited to challenging the validity of your waiver of any rights or claims that you may have under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. <u>Older Workers Benefit Protection Act Acknowledgments.</u> The parties intend that this Agreement comply with §201 of the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990. Accordingly, you acknowledge, warrant, and represent as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. You have up to twenty-one (21) days from the date of your receipt of this Agreement to accept the terms
of this Agreement, although you may accept it at any time within those twenty-one (21) days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. You have been informed of your right to consult with an attorney before executing this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. You also have the right to revoke this Agreement for a period of seven (7) days after you sign the Agreement
(the " <u>Revocation Period</u> "). This Agreement will not become effective or enforceable until the expiration of the Revocation
Period (the " <u>Effective Date</u> ").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. You may revoke this Agreement at any time before the Effective Date by giving notice in writing to the
Company (Quang X. Pham, Chief Executive Officer, quang.pham@cadrenal.com) to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on the seventh (7th)
day after the execution of the Agreement by both parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. <u>No Admission of Wrongdoing</u>. You and the Released Parties deny any wrongdoing whatsoever in connection with their dealings with each other, including but not limited to your employment and termination. It is expressly understood and agreed that nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute or be treated as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of you or the Released Parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. <u>Non-Disclosure</u>. You understand and agree that this Agreement, and the matters discussed in negotiating its terms, are entirely confidential. It is therefore expressly understood and agreed that you will not reveal, discuss, publish or in any way communicate any of the terms, amount or fact of this Agreement to any person, organization or other entity, with the exception of your immediate family members and professional representatives, or in an action to enforce its terms, unless required by subpoena or court order. The Company likewise agrees not to reveal, discuss, publish or in any way communicate any of the terms, amount, or fact of this Agreement to any person, organization, or other entity, except as consistent with business need or necessity and/or as required by court order or legal process. You further agree that you will not at any time disclose, use or aid third parties in obtaining or using any trade secrets, or confidential or proprietary information of the Company, including but not limited to any financial, business or personnel information, except as required or permitted by law. Nothing in this <u>Section 9</u> shall have the purpose or effect of concealing the details relating to any claim or allegation of discrimination, retaliation, or harassment or is intended to or shall prohibit you from making statements or engaging in any activities protected by the National Labor Relations Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. <u>No Contact</u>. You agree that you will not contact nor will you discuss the Company or its business practices or attempt to disrupt or divert business opportunities or customers from the Company or the Released Parties, to the extent enforceable under California law. You further agree and acknowledge that this is a material term of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. <u>Non-Disparagement</u>. You agree that you will not disparage any of the Released Parties or make or publish any communication that reflects adversely upon any of them, their officers, directors, affiliated business entities, franchises, or business practices, or has the effect of injuring their business or reputation. This non-disparagement obligation includes both direct and indirect communications and expressly includes statements made on the internet (including, but not limited to, social networking websites such as Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor), statements made under a pseudonym, and statements made to a Company franchise and/or affiliated business partner. The Company agrees that it will instruct its management team not to disparage you or make or publish any communication that reflects adversely upon you with respect to your employment with the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. <u>No Filing of Claims</u>. You represent that you have not filed, and to the maximum extent permitted by law and except as provided in <u>Section 6</u> above, you agree that you will not file, any charge, complaint, demand for arbitration, lawsuit or claim (collectively, "<u>Claim</u>") with any administrative agency, federal, state or local court (collectively, "<u>Agency</u>") related in any way to your employment or the separation of your employment with the Company. You further agree that you will not accept, and will not be entitled to retain, any judgment, award, settlement, or other payment or other relief resulting from, or related to, any Claim filed with any Agency related in any way to your employment with the Company or the termination of your employment. Nothing in this Agreement limits your right, where applicable, to file a claim for unemployment compensation with the State of California should you choose to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. <u>Acknowledgment of No Further Action</u>. Except as provided in <u>Section 6</u> above, and/or unless required to do so by court order or subpoena, you agree that you will not (a) voluntarily make statements, take action, or give testimony adverse or detrimental to the interests of the Company or its affiliates; or (b) aid or assist in any manner the efforts of any third party to sue or prosecute a claim against the Company or its affiliates. Should you ever be required to give testimony concerning any matter related to your employment with the Company, you agree to provide notice of such compulsory process to the Company (Quang X. Pham, Chief Executive Officer, quang.pham@cadrenal.com), within two (2) business days of its receipt, so that the Company may take appropriate measures to quash or otherwise defend its interests.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. <u>Duty To Cooperate</u>. You will, upon reasonable notice, cooperate fully with the Company and with any legal counsel, expert, or consultant it may retain to assist it in connection with any judicial proceeding, arbitration, administrative proceeding, governmental investigation or inquiry, internal audit, or other matter in which you have knowledge based on your work for the Company. Notwithstanding the obligations of this <u>Section 14</u>, you further agree to avail yourself to the Company to respond to reasonable requests made by the Company during the Severance Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. <u>Return and Non-Disclosure of Company Property</u>. You agree to return to the Company by the Separation Date any and all property belonging to the Company. However, the Company shall allow you to retain, and grant you ownership of, the laptop computer the Company issued you during your employment with the Company, so long as all data related to the Company in any way has been permanently deleted from the laptop and verified by the Company's Information and Technology contractor. You shall not retain copies or distribute to any third party of any Company property, documents, or materials in hard copy, digital, or electronic format. Your access to the Company's property and facilities shall end on the Separation Date. You verify that you have not downloaded, forwarded, or otherwise have any Company information within your control or on personal devices, thumb drives, or other third-party downloads. You affirm that you will abide by all post-employment confidentiality and nondisclosure obligations. You expressly agree that these post-employment obligations are not time-bound and mandate nondisclosure to any third-party entity, whether an affiliated business venture, former employee of the Company, or competitor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. <u>Effect of Breach</u>. You agree that receipt of any consideration under this Agreement is contingent on your full compliance with the Agreement's terms and conditions. Should you breach any provision of this Agreement, the terms of any post-employment or restrictive covenant obligations, including in the Employment Agreement or PIICA, respectively, including but not limited to filing a lawsuit or arbitration based upon any claim covered by this Agreement (but excluding a lawsuit covered by <u>Section 6</u> of this Agreement), the Company shall have the right to seek recovery from you of any Severance Payment already paid, and the Company shall no longer be obligated to pay you any Severance Payment otherwise due. In addition, the Company has the right to seek liquidated damages, attorneys' fees and costs, and full repayment of any consideration provided under this Agreement. To the extent either party breaches its obligations under this Agreement, each party has the right to seek the requisite legal remedies, and the prevailing party in any such action shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. <u>Certification of Understanding and Competence</u>. You acknowledge and agree that (a) you have read this Agreement in its entirety and have been provided the opportunity to seek independent legal advice; (b) you are competent to understand, and do understand, the content and effect of this Agreement; (c) by entering into this Agreement, you are releasing forever the Released Parties from any Claim or liability (including claims for attorney's fees and costs) arising from your employment with the Company; (d) you are entering this Agreement of your own free will in exchange for the consideration herein, which you agree is adequate and satisfactory; and (e) neither the Company nor any of the Released Parties have made any representations to you concerning the terms or effect of this Agreement, other than those contained in the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18. <u>Acknowledgments</u>. You acknowledge and agree that as of the Separation Date (a) you are not owed any wages by the Company for work performed, whether as wages or salary, overtime, bonuses or commissions, or for accrued but unused paid time off, and that you have been fully compensated for all hours worked and any earned bonus or incentive compensation; (b) you are not aware of any factual basis for a claim that the Company has defrauded the government of the United States or any State; (c) you have incurred no work related injuries; (d) you have received all family or medical leave to which you were entitled under the law; and (e) you have been and hereby are advised to consult with legal counsel of your choice prior to execution and delivery of this Agreement, and that you have done so or voluntarily elected not to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19. <u>Ownership of Claims</u>. You represent and warrant that you are the sole and lawful owner of all rights, title, and interest in and to all released matters, claims and demands referred to herein. You further represent and warrant that there has been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any such matters, claims or demands which you may have against the Released Parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20. <u>Counterparts</u>. This Agreement (a) may be executed in separate counterparts and by facsimile, and each such counterpart shall be deemed an original with the same effect as if all parties had signed the same document; and (b) shall to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or e-mail of a PDF file containing a copy of an executed Agreement (or signature page thereto), be treated in all manner and respects and for all purposes as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21. <u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to their subject matter and is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, personal or legal representatives, successors and/or assigns. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing sentence serves to incorporate into this Agreement each and all of the restrictive covenants and other post-employment continuing obligations as set forth in the Employment Agreement and PIICA, which obligations extend beyond the Separation Date. Any modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing signed by the parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22. <u>Headings</u>. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not to be considered a construction of the provisions hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23. <u>Severability and Governing Law</u>. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, unenforceable, or void for any reason, such provision shall be severed from the Agreement and shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions. This Agreement shall be interpreted, enforced, and governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound, the parties agree to the terms of this Agreement by signing below:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Executive**: | **Executive**: |
| Dated: June 3, 2026 | /s/ Matthew K. Szot<u> </u> | /s/ Matthew K. Szot<u> </u> |
|  | Matthew K. Szot | Matthew K. Szot |
| Dated: June 3, 2026 | **Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.**: | **Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.**: |
|  | By: | /s/ Quang X. Pham |
|  | Name: | Quang X. Pham |
|  | Title: | Chief Executive Officer |

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**[signature page to CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT & GENERAL RELEASE]**

**Exhibit A**

[<u>Employment Agreement and Proprietary Information, Inventions and Confidentiality Agreement</u>]