# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001827635
**File Stem:** 0001628280-26-005859
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 93469
**Document Hash:** cd8bd4dd618d595fd9595c9dd26de4cb
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001628280-26-005859.hdr.sgml**: 20260205

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001628280-26-005859

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-8

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 16

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260205

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260205

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260205

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Veradermics, Inc
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001827635
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 03 Life Sciences
- **EIN:** 843304423
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-8
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-293238
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26604001

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 470 JAMES STREET
- **CITY:** NEW HAVEN
- **STATE:** CT
- **ZIP:** 06513
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 228.372.3376

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 470 JAMES STREET
- **CITY:** NEW HAVEN
- **STATE:** CT
- **ZIP:** 06513

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** VeraDermics, Inc
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20201008

**As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2026**

**Registration No. 333-**

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, DC 20549**

**FORM S-8**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

***UNDER***

***THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933***

**VERADERMICS, INCORPORATED**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **84-3304423** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction of**<br>**incorporation or organization)** | **(I.R.S. Employer**<br>**Identification No.)** |
| **470 James St.**<br>**New Haven, CT** | **06513** |
| **(Address of Principal Executive Offices)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

**VeraDermics, Incorporated 2021 Stock Plan and amendments**

**Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Equity Incentive Plan**

**Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Employee Stock Purchase Plan**

**(Full titles of the plans)**

**Reid Waldman, M.D.**

**Chief Executive Officer**

**Veradermics, Incorporated**

**470 James St.**

**New Haven, CT 06513**

**(Name and address of agent for service)**

**(228) 372-3376**

**(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)**

***Please send a copy of all communications to:***

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Zachary Blume**<br>**Nicholas Roper**<br>**Ropes & Gray LLP**<br>**Prudential Tower**<br>**800 Boylston Street**<br>**Boston, MA 02199-3600**<br>**(617) 951-7000** | **Michael Greco**<br>**General Counsel**<br>**Veradermics, Incorporated**<br>**470 James St.**<br>**New Haven, CT 06513**<br>**(228) 372-3376** |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer, "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ◻ | Accelerated filer | ◻ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ⌧ | Smaller reporting company | ⌧ |
| | | Emerging growth company | ⌧ |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark 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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ◻

------

**PART I**

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS**

As permitted by Rule 428(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), this Registration Statement omits the information specified in Part I of Form S-8. The documents containing the information specified in Part I will be delivered to the participants of the VeraDermics, Incorporated 2021 Stock Plan, the Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Equity Incentive Plan and the Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as required by Rule 428(b). Such documents are not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act.

**PART II**

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.**

The following documents filed by Veradermics, Incorporated (the "Registrant") with the SEC are incorporated herein by reference:

(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the Registrant's Current Report on <u>[Form 8-K](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026005800/veradermicsincclosing8-k.htm)</u> filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026;

(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the Registrant's prospectus filed with the SEC on February 4, 2026 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act relating to the registration statement on <u>[Form S-1 (File No. 333-292657)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026001651/veradermicsincs-1.htm)</u>, that contains audited financial statements of the Registrant for the latest fiscal period for which such statements have been filed; and

(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the description of the Registrant's Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share, which is contained in the Registrant's registration statement on <u>[Form 8-A](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026005106/veradermicsincform8-a12b.htm)</u> filed by the Registrant with the SEC under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), on February 3, 2026, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

All reports and other documents filed by the Registrant after the date hereof pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference herein and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such reports and documents. Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed report or document which also is incorporated or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.

**Item 4. Description of Securities.**

Not applicable.

**Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.**

Not applicable.

**Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.**

As permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, our restated certificate of incorporation includes a provision to eliminate the personal liability of our directors and officers for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors or officers, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that we are required to indemnify our officers and directors under certain circumstances, including those

------

circumstances in which indemnification would otherwise be discretionary, and we are required to advance expenses to our officers and directors as incurred in connection with proceedings against them for which they may be indemnified, in each case except to the extent that the DGCL prohibits the elimination or limitation of liability of directors or officers for breaches of fiduciary duty.

Section 145(a) of the DGCL provides that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. These indemnification agreements provide broader indemnity rights than those provided under the DGCL and our restated certificate of incorporation. These indemnification agreements are not intended to deny or otherwise limit third-party or derivative suits against us or our directors or officers, but to the extent a director or officer were entitled to indemnity or contribution under the indemnification agreement, the financial burden of a third-party suit would be borne by us, and we would not benefit from derivative recoveries against the director or officer. Such recoveries would accrue to our benefit but would be offset by our obligations to the director or officer under the indemnification agreement.

We maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance for the benefit of our directors and officers.

**Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.**

Not applicable.

------

**Item 8. Exhibits.**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit** | |
| 4.1 | <u>[Fifth](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026005800/exhibit31-closing8xk.htm)[Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026 and incorporated herein by reference).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026005800/exhibit31-closing8xk.htm)</u> |
| 4.2 | <u>[Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026 and incorporated herein by reference).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026005800/exhibit32-closing8xk.htm)</u> |
| 4.3 | <u>[VeraDermics, Incorporated 2021 Stock Plan and amendments (previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the registration statement on Form S-1 filed on January 28, 2026 (File No. 333-](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026003764/exhibit103-sx1a2.htm)[292657) and incorporated herein by reference).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026003764/exhibit103-sx1a2.htm)</u> |
| 4.4\* | <u>[Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Equity Incentive Plan.](exhibit44-sx8.htm)</u> |
| 4.5 | <u>[Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the registration statement on Form S-1 filed on January 28, 2026 (File No. 333- 292657) and incorporated herein by reference).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1827635/000162828026003764/exhibit106-sx1a2.htm)</u> |
| 5.1\* | <u>[Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP](exhibit51-sx8.htm)</u> |
| 23.1\* | <u>[Consent of](exhibit231-sx8.htm)[Deloitte & Touche LLP](exhibit231-sx8.htm)[independent registered public accounting firm.](exhibit231-sx8.htm)</u> |
| 23.2\* | <u>[Consent of Ropes & Gray LLP (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)](exhibit51-sx8.htm)</u> |
| 24.1\* | <u>[Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page in Part II)](#i80ebd7a292144a3aa9e613492a6a0dfb_98)</u> |
| 107\* | <u>[Filing Fee Table.](exfilingfees.htm)</u> |

---

\* Filed herewith.

**Item 9. Undertakings.**

(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of a prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;

*provided, however*, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above shall not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

------

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial *bona fide* offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial *bona fide* offering thereof.

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

------

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New Haven, Connecticut, on this 5<sup>th</sup> day of February, 2026.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **VERADERMICS, INCORPORATED** | **VERADERMICS, INCORPORATED** |
| By: | /s/ Reid Waldman, M.D. |
|  | Name: Reid Waldman, M.D. |
|  | Title: Chief Executive Officer |

---

**POWER OF ATTORNEY**

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Reid Waldman, M.D. and Dominic Carrano, and each of them singly, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by Veradermics, Incorporated and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

\* \* \* \*

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **SIGNATURE** | **TITLE** | **DATE** |
| /s/ Reid Waldman, M.D. | Chief Executive Officer and Director<br>*(Principal Executive Officer)* | February 5, 2026 |
| Reid Waldman, M.D. | Chief Executive Officer and Director<br>*(Principal Executive Officer)* | February 5, 2026 |
| /s/ Dominic Carrano, CPA | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer<br>*(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)* | February 5, 2026 |
| Dominic Carrano, CPA | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer<br>*(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)* | February 5, 2026 |
| /s/ David Friedman, M.D. | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| David Friedman, M.D. | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| /s/ John W. Childs | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| John W. Childs | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| /s/ Vlad Coric, M.D. | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| Vlad Coric, M.D. | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| /s/ Patrick Enright | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| Patrick Enright | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| /s/ Jane Grant-Kels, M.D. | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| Jane Grant-Kels, M.D. | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| /s/ Katarina Pance, Ph.D. | Director | February 5, 2026 |
| Katarina Pance, Ph.D. | Director | February 5, 2026 |

---

## Ex-Filing

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? EX-FILING FEES

---

| |
|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Calculation of Filing Fee Tables**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **S-8**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Veradermics, Inc**  |

---

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Security Type**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Security Class Title**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fee Calculation Rule**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount Registered**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Maximum Aggregate Offering Price**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fee Rate**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount of Registration Fee**  |
| 1 | Equity | VeraDermics, Incorporated 2021 Stock Plan - Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share | Other | 3713205 | $12.65 | $46972043.25 | 0.0001381 | $6486.84 |
| 2 | Equity | Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Equity Incentive Plan - Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share | Other | 4032583 | $36.01 | $145213313.83 | 0.0001381 | $20053.96 |
| 3 | Equity | Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Employee Stock Purchase Plan - Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share | Other | 316668 | $30.60 | $9690040.80 | 0.0001381 | $1338.19 |
| Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: |  | $201875397.88  |  | $27878.99  |
| Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  |  |  |  | $0.00  |
| Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  |  |  |  | $27878.99  |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Offering Note** <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <sup>1</sup> (1a) Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") this Registration Statement also covers such additional shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share ("Common Stock") as may issued to prevent dilution from stock splits, stock dividends and similar transactions. (1b) Represents shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise or settlement of awards previously granted under the VeraDermics, Incorporated 2021 Stock Plan, as amended (the "2021 Plan") that are outstanding as of the date of this Registration Statement. To the extent that shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise or settlement of such awards are forfeited, expire, terminate or are cancelled for any reason without having been exercised or become vested in full, or otherwise become available again for grant under the 2021 Plan, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the 2021 Plan and on or after the date of this Registration Statement, such shares of Common Stock (not to exceed 685,080 shares of Stock in the aggregate) will be available for issuance under the Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Incentive Plan (the "2026 Plan"). (1c) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Act. For the shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding awards under the 2021 Plan, the Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share is $12.65 per share, which is the weighted average exercise price (rounded to the nearest cent) of the outstanding awards under the 2021 Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <sup>2</sup> (See note (1a) (2a) Represents shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of options or in respect of other awards under the 2026 Plan (inclusive of shares subject to awards granted under the 2026 Plan prior to the date hereof and shares of Common Stock that may again become issuable with respect to awards under the 2026 Plan pursuant to the share counting, share recycling and other terms and conditions of the 2026 Plan). The 2026 Plan includes an "evergreen" provision, which provides that on January 1st of each year beginning in 2027 and continuing through and including 2036, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2026 Plan will automatically increase in an amount equal to the lesser of (A) five percent of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on the immediately preceding December 31st and (B) the number of shares of Common Stock determined by the board of directors of the Registrant on or prior to such date for such year. (2b) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h) under the Act based on the average of the high and low prices of the registrant's Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on February 4, 2026 to be $40.01 and $32.00, respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <sup>3</sup> See note (1a) (3a) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h) under the Act. The proposed maximum offering price per share is equal to 85% of of $36.01, being the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on February 4, 2026 to be $40.01 and $32.00, respectively. Under the 2026 ESPP, the purchase price of a share of common stock is equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Registrant's common stock on the offering date or the purchase date, whichever is less. (3b) Represents shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (the "ESPP"), along with shares of Common Stock that may again become issuable with respect to awards under the ESPP pursuant to the share counting, share recycling and other terms and conditions of the ESPP. The ESPP includes an "evergreen" provision, which provides that on January 1st of each year beginning in 2027 and continuing through and including 2036, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the ESPP will automatically increase in an amount equal to the lesser of (A) one percent of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on the immediately preceding December 31st and (B) the number of shares of Common Stock determined by the board of directors of the Registrant on or prior to such date for such year, up to a maximum of 4,490,608 shares in the aggregate.

---

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|:---|:---|
| | |
| **Rule 457(p)** | **Rule 457(p)** |
| Fee Offset Claims | N/A |
| Fee Offset Sources | N/A |

---

## Exhibit 4.4

**Exhibit 4.4**

**VERADERMICS, INCORPORATED**

**2026 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN**

**1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DEFINED TERMS**

<u>Exhibit A</u>, which is incorporated by reference, defines certain terms used in the Plan and includes certain operational rules related to those terms.

**2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PURPOSE**

The Plan has been established to advance the interests of the Company by providing for the grant to Participants of Stock and Stock-based Awards.

**3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ADMINISTRATION**

The Plan will be administered by the Administrator. The Administrator has discretionary authority, subject only to the express provisions of the Plan, to administer and interpret the Plan and any Awards; to determine eligibility for and grant Awards; to determine the exercise price, base value from which appreciation is measured, or purchase price, if any, applicable to any Award, to determine, modify, accelerate or waive the terms and conditions of any Award; to determine the form of settlement of Awards (whether in cash, shares of Stock, other Awards or other property); to prescribe forms, rules and procedures relating to the Plan and Awards; and to otherwise do all things necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of the Plan or any Award. Determinations of the Administrator made with respect to the Plan or any Award are conclusive and bind all persons.

**4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LIMITS ON AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Number of Shares</u>**. Subject to adjustment as provided for herein, the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be delivered in satisfaction of Awards under the Plan is (i) 4,032,751 shares (the "<u>Initial Share Pool</u>"), plus (ii) the number of shares of Stock underlying awards under the Prior Plan that on or after the Date of Adoption are reacquired by the Company or are forfeited, expire, terminate or are cancelled for any reason without having been exercised or become vested in full, or otherwise become available again for grant under the Prior Plan, in each case, in accordance with its terms (in the case of this subclause (ii), not to exceed 685,080 shares of Stock in the aggregate). The Initial Share Pool will automatically increase on January 1 of each year during the term of the Plan, beginning in 2027 and continuing through and including 2036, by the lesser of (i) five percent (5%) of the number of shares of Stock outstanding as of the close of business on the immediately preceding December 31 and (ii) the number of shares of Stock determined by the Board on or prior to such date for such year (the Initial Share Pool, as it may be so increased, together with any shares that become available for grant under the Prior Plan, as provided for in subclause (ii) above, the "<u>Share Pool</u>"). Up to 24,289,722 shares of Stock from the Share Pool may be delivered in satisfaction of ISOs, but nothing in this <u>Section 4(a)</u> will be construed as requiring that any, or any fixed number of, ISOs be awarded under the Plan. For purposes of this <u>Section 4(a)</u>, shares of Stock shall not be treated as delivered under the Plan, and will not reduce the Share Pool, unless and until, and to the extent,

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they are actually delivered to a Participant. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the number of shares of Stock delivered in satisfaction of Awards will be determined (i) by excluding shares of Stock withheld by the Company in payment of the exercise price or purchase price of the Award or in satisfaction of tax withholding requirements with respect to the Award; (ii) by including only the number of shares of Stock delivered in settlement of a SAR any portion of which is settled in Stock; and (iii) by excluding any shares of Stock underlying Awards settled in cash or that expire, become unexercisable, terminate or are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, in any case, without the delivery of Stock (or retention, in the case of Restricted Stock or Unrestricted Stock). For the avoidance of doubt, the Share Pool will not be increased by any shares of Stock delivered under the Plan that are subsequently repurchased using proceeds directly attributable to Stock Option exercises. The limits set forth in this <u>Section 4(a)</u> will be construed to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 422.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Substitute Awards</u>**. The Administrator may grant Substitute Awards under the Plan. To the extent consistent with the applicable requirements of Section 422 and the regulations thereunder and other applicable legal requirements (including applicable stock exchange requirements), shares of Stock delivered in respect of Substitute Awards will be in addition to and will not reduce the Share Pool. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in <u>Section 4(a)</u> to the contrary, if any Substitute Award is settled in cash or expires, becomes unexercisable, terminates or is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company without the delivery (or retention, in the case of Restricted Stock or Unrestricted Stock) of Stock, the shares of Stock previously subject to such Substitute Award will not increase the Share Pool or otherwise be available for future grant under the Plan. The Administrator will determine the extent to which the terms and conditions of the Plan apply to Substitute Awards, if at all; *provided*, *however*, that Substitute Awards will not be subject to the limits described in <u>Section 4(d)</u> below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Type of Shares</u>**. Stock delivered by the Company under the Plan may be authorized but unissued Stock, treasury Stock or previously issued Stock acquired by the Company. No fractional shares of Stock will be delivered under the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Non-Employee Director Limits</u>**. The aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid to any Director with respect to any calendar year, including Awards granted under the Plan and cash fees or other compensation paid by the Company to such Director outside of the Plan for his or her services as a Director during such calendar year, may not exceed $750,000 in the aggregate ($1,000,000 in the aggregate with respect to a Director's first year of service on the Board), calculating the value of any Awards based on the grant date fair value in accordance with the Accounting Rules, assuming a maximum payout. For the avoidance of doubt, the limitation in this <u>Section 4(d)</u> will not apply to any compensation granted or paid to a Director for services to the Company or a subsidiary other than as a Director, including, without limitation, as a consultant or advisor to the Company or a subsidiary.

**5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION**

The Administrator will select Participants from among Employees and Directors of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company and its subsidiaries. Eligibility for ISOs is limited to

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individuals described in the first sentence of this <u>Section 5</u> who are employees of the Company or of a "parent corporation" or "subsidiary corporation" of the Company as those terms are defined in Section 424 of the Code. Eligibility for Stock Options, other than ISOs, and SARs is limited to individuals described in the first sentence of this <u>Section 5</u> who are providing direct services on the date of grant of the Award to the Company or to a subsidiary of the Company that would be described in the first sentence of Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iii)(E) of the Treasury Regulations.

**6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RULES APPLICABLE TO AWARDS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>All Awards</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;**(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Award Provisions**. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of all Awards, subject to the limitations provided herein. No term of an Award shall provide for automatic "reload" grants of additional Awards upon the exercise of an Option or SAR. By accepting (or, under such rules as the Administrator may prescribe, being deemed to have accepted) an Award, the Participant will be deemed to have agreed to the terms and conditions of the Award and the Plan. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, Substitute Awards may contain terms and conditions that are inconsistent with the terms and conditions specified herein, as determined by the Administrator.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Term of Plan**. No Awards may be made after ten (10) years from the Date of Adoption, but previously granted Awards may continue beyond that date in accordance with their terms.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transferability**. Neither ISOs nor, except as the Administrator otherwise expressly provides in accordance with the third sentence of this <u>Section 6(a)(3)</u>, other Awards may be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During a Participant's lifetime, ISOs and, except as the Administrator otherwise expressly provides in accordance with the third sentence of this <u>Section 6(a)(3)</u>, SARs and NSOs may be exercised only by the Participant. The Administrator may permit the gratuitous transfer (i.e., transfer not for value) of Awards other than ISOs, subject to applicable securities and other laws and such terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vesting; Exercisability**. The Administrator will determine the time or times at which an Award vests or becomes exercisable and the terms and conditions on which a Stock Option or SAR remains exercisable. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator may at any time accelerate the vesting and/or exercisability of an Award (or any portion thereof), regardless of any adverse or potentially adverse tax or other consequences resulting from such acceleration. Unless the Administrator expressly provides otherwise, however, the following rules will apply if a Participant's Employment ceases:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Except as provided in (B) and (C) below, immediately upon the cessation of the Participant's Employment each Stock Option and SAR (or portion thereof) that is then held by the Participant or by the Participant's permitted transferees, if any, will cease to be exercisable and will terminate and each other Award that is then

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held by the Participant or by the Participant's permitted transferees, if any, to the extent not then vested, will be forfeited.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Subject to (C) and (D) below, each Stock Option and SAR (or portion thereof) held by the Participant or the Participant's permitted transferees, if any, immediately prior to the cessation of the Participant's Employment, to the extent then vested and exercisable, will remain exercisable for the lesser of (i) a period of three (3) months following such cessation of Employment or (ii) the period ending on the latest date on which such Stock Option or SAR could have been exercised without regard to this <u>Section 6(a)(4)</u>, and will thereupon immediately terminate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Subject to (D) below, each Stock Option and SAR (or portion thereof) held by a Participant or the Participant's permitted transferees, if any, immediately prior to the cessation of the Participant's Employment due to the Participant's death or by the Company due to the Participant's Disability, to the extent then vested and exercisable, will remain exercisable for the lesser of (i) the one (1)-year period ending on the first anniversary of such cessation of Employment or (ii) the period ending on the latest date on which such Stock Option or SAR could have been exercised without regard to this <u>Section 6(a)(4)</u>, and will thereupon immediately terminate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**All Awards (whether or not vested or exercisable) held by a Participant or the Participant's permitted transferees, if any, immediately prior to the cessation of the Participant's Employment will immediately terminate upon such cessation of Employment if the termination is for Cause or occurs in circumstances that in the determination of the Administrator would have constituted grounds for the Participant's Employment to be terminated for Cause (in each case, without regard to the lapsing of any required notice or cure periods in connection therewith).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recovery of Compensation**. The Administrator may provide in any case that any outstanding Award (whether or not vested or exercisable), the proceeds from the exercise or disposition of any Award or Stock acquired under any Award, and any other amounts received in respect of any Award or Stock acquired under any Award will be subject to forfeiture and disgorgement to the Company, with interest and other related earnings, if the Participant to whom the Award was granted is not in compliance with any provision of the Plan or any applicable Award, or any non-competition, non-solicitation, no-hire, non-disparagement, confidentiality, invention assignment, or other restrictive covenant in favor of the Company or any of its affiliates by which the Participant is bound. Each Award will be subject to any policy of the Company or any of its subsidiaries that relates to trading on non-public information and permitted transactions with respect to shares of Stock, including limitations on hedging and pledging. In addition, each Award will be subject (i) to recoupment to the extent a Participant is or becomes subject to the Company's Policy for Recoupment of Incentive Compensation, as the same may be amended and in effect from time to time (the "<u>Clawback Policy</u>"), and (ii) to any other policy of the Company or any of its subsidiaries that provides for forfeiture, disgorgement, or clawback with respect to incentive compensation that includes Awards under the Plan. Each Participant, by accepting or being deemed to have accepted an Award under the Plan, agrees (or

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will be deemed to have agreed) to the terms of this <u>Section 6(a)(5)</u>, the Clawback Policy and any other clawback, recoupment or similar policy of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and further agrees (or will be deemed to have further agreed) to cooperate fully with the Administrator, and to cause any and all permitted transferees of the Participant to cooperate fully with the Administrator, to effectuate any forfeiture or disgorgement described in this <u>Section 6(a)(5)</u>. Neither the Administrator nor the Company nor any other person, other than the Participant and the Participant's permitted transferees, if any, will be responsible for any adverse tax or other consequences to a Participant or the Participant's permitted transferees, if any, that may arise in connection with this <u>Section 6(a)(5)</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;**(6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes**. The grant of an Award and the issuance, delivery, vesting and retention of Stock, cash or other property under an Award are conditioned upon the full satisfaction by the Participant of all tax and other withholding requirements with respect to the Award. The Administrator will prescribe such rules for the withholding of taxes and other amounts with respect to any Award as it deems necessary. Without limitation to the foregoing, the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company will have the authority and the right to deduct or withhold (by any means set forth herein or in an Award agreement), or require a Participant to remit to the Company or a parent or subsidiary of the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy all U.S. and non-U.S. federal, state and local income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to participation in the Plan and any Award hereunder and legally applicable to the Participant and required by law to be withheld (including, any amount deemed by the Company, in its discretion, to be an appropriate charge to the Participant even if legally applicable to the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company). The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may hold back shares of Stock from an Award or permit a Participant to tender previously owned shares of Stock in satisfaction of tax or other withholding requirements (but not in excess of the maximum withholding amount consistent with the Award being subject to equity accounting treatment under the Accounting Rules). Any amounts withheld pursuant to this <u>Section 6(a)(6)</u> will be treated as though such amount had been paid directly to the Participant. In addition, the Company may, to the extent permitted by law, deduct any such tax and other withholding amounts from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant from the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(7)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividend Equivalents**. The Administrator may provide for the payment of amounts (on terms and subject to such restrictions and conditions established by the Administrator) in lieu of cash dividends or other cash distributions with respect to Stock subject to an Award whether or not the holder of such Award is otherwise entitled to share in the actual dividend or distribution in respect of such Award. Any entitlement to dividend equivalents or similar entitlements will be established and administered either consistent with an exemption from, or in compliance with, the applicable requirements of Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rights Limited**. Nothing in the Plan or any Award will be construed as giving any person the right to be granted an Award or to continued employment or service with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any rights as a stockholder except as to shares of Stock actually delivered under the Plan. The loss of existing or potential profit in any Award will not

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constitute an element of damages in the event of a termination of a Participant's Employment for any reason, even if the termination is in violation of an obligation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to the Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(9)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Coordination with Other Plans**. Shares of Stock and/or Awards under the Plan may be issued or granted in tandem with, or in satisfaction of or substitution for, other Awards under the Plan or awards made under other compensatory plans or programs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. For example, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, awards under other compensatory plans or programs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries may be settled in Stock (including, without limitation, Unrestricted Stock) under the Plan if the Administrator so determines, in which case the shares delivered will be treated as awarded under the Plan (and will reduce the number of shares thereafter available for delivery under the Plan in accordance with the rules set forth in <u>Section 4</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;**(10)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 409A**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Without limiting the generality of <u>Section 11(b)</u> hereof, each Award will contain such terms as the Administrator determines and will be construed and administered such that the Award either qualifies for an exemption from the requirements of Section 409A or satisfies such requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or any Award agreement, the Administrator may unilaterally amend, modify or terminate the Plan or any outstanding Award, including, without limitation, changing the form of the Award, if the Administrator determines that such amendment, modification or termination is necessary or desirable to avoid the imposition of an additional tax, interest or penalty under Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**If a Participant is determined on the date of the Participant's termination of Employment to be a "specified employee" within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, then, with regard to any payment that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A, to the extent applicable, payable on account of a "separation from service", such payment will be made or provided on the date that is the earlier of (i) the first business day following the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such "separation from service" and (ii) the date of the Participant's death (the "<u>Delay Period</u>"). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments delayed pursuant to this <u>Section 6(a)(10)(C)</u> (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single lump sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) will be paid, without interest, on the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period in a lump sum and any remaining payments due under the Award will be paid in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them in the applicable Award 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(D)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**For purposes of Section 409A, each payment made under the Plan or any Award will be treated as a separate payment.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(E)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**With regard to any payment considered to be nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A, to the extent applicable, that is payable upon a change in control of the Company or other similar event, to the extent required to avoid the imposition of an additional tax, interest or penalty under Section 409A, no amount will be payable unless such change in control constitutes a "change in control event" within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Stock Options and SARs</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;**(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time and Manner of Exercise**. Unless the Administrator expressly provides otherwise, no Stock Option or SAR will be deemed to have been exercised until the Administrator receives a notice of exercise in a form acceptable to the Administrator that is signed by the appropriate person and accompanied by any payment required under the Award. The Administrator may at any time limit or restrict the exercisability of any Stock Option or SAR in its discretion, including in connection with any Covered Transaction. Any attempt to exercise a Stock Option or SAR by any person other than the Participant will not be given effect unless the Administrator has received such evidence as it may require that the person exercising the Award has the right to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise Price**. The exercise price (or the base value from which appreciation is to be measured) per share of each Award requiring exercise must be no less than one hundred percent (100%) (in the case of an ISO granted to a ten percent (10%) stockholder within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code, one hundred ten percent (110%)) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock, determined as of the date of grant of the Award, or such higher amount as the Administrator may determine in connection with the grant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of Exercise Price**. Where the exercise of an Award (or portion thereof) is to be accompanied by a payment, payment of the exercise price must be made by cash or check acceptable to the Administrator or, if so permitted by the Administrator and if legally permissible, (i) through the delivery of previously acquired unrestricted shares of Stock, or the withholding of unrestricted shares of Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise, in either case that have a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price; (ii) through a broker-assisted cashless exercise program acceptable to the Administrator; (iii) by other means acceptable to the Administrator; or (iv) by any combination of the foregoing permissible forms of payment. The delivery of previously acquired shares in payment of the exercise price under clause (i) above may be accomplished either by actual delivery or by constructive delivery through attestation of ownership, subject to such rules as the Administrator may prescribe.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum Term**. The maximum term of Stock Options and SARs must not exceed ten (10) years from the date of grant (or five (5) years from the date of grant in the case of an ISO granted to a ten percent (10%) stockholder described in <u>Section 6(b)(2)</u> above).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No Repricing**. Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (which term includes, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares) or as otherwise contemplated by <u>Section 7</u> below,

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the Company may not, without obtaining stockholder approval, (i) amend the terms of outstanding Stock Options or SARs to reduce the exercise price or base value of such Stock Options or SARs; (ii) cancel outstanding Stock Options or SARs in exchange for Stock Options or SARs that have an exercise price or base value that is less than the exercise price or base value of the original Stock Options or SARs; or (iii) cancel outstanding Stock Options or SARs that have an exercise price or base value greater than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of such cancellation in exchange for cash or other consideration.

**7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EFFECT OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Mergers, etc</u>**. Except as otherwise expressly provided in an Award agreement or other agreement or by the Administrator, the following provisions will apply in the event of a Covered Transaction:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assumption or Substitution**. If the Covered Transaction is one in which there is an acquiring or surviving entity, the Administrator may provide for (i) the assumption or continuation of some or all outstanding Awards or any portion thereof; or (ii) the grant of new awards in substitution therefor by the acquiror or survivor or an affiliate of the acquiror or survivor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash-Out of Awards**. Subject to <u>Section 7(a)(5)</u> below, the Administrator may provide for payment (a "<u>cash-out</u>"), with respect to some or all Awards or any portion thereof (including only the vested portion thereof, with the unvested portion terminating without payment due as provided in <u>Section 7(a)(4)</u> below), equal in the case of each applicable Award or portion thereof to the excess, if any, of (i) the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Stock *multiplied by* the number of shares of Stock subject to the Award or such portion, *minus* (ii) the aggregate exercise or purchase price, if any, of such Award or such portion thereof (or, in the case of a SAR, the aggregate base value above which appreciation is measured), in each case, on such payment and other terms and subject to such conditions (which need not be the same as the terms and conditions applicable to holders of Stock generally) as the Administrator determines, including that any amounts paid in respect of such Award in connection with the Covered Transaction be placed in escrow or otherwise made subject to such restrictions as the Administrator deems appropriate. For the avoidance of doubt, if the per-share exercise or purchase price (or base value) of an Award or portion thereof is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Stock, such Award or portion may be cancelled with no payment due hereunder or otherwise in respect thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acceleration of Certain Awards**. Subject to <u>Section 7(a)(5)</u> below, the Administrator may provide that any Award requiring exercise will become exercisable, in full or in part, and/or that the delivery of any shares of Stock remaining deliverable under any outstanding Award of Stock Units (including Restricted Stock Units and Performance Awards to the extent consisting of Stock Units) will be accelerated, in full or in part, in each case, on a basis that gives the holder of the Award a reasonable opportunity, as determined by the Administrator, following the exercise of the Award or the delivery of the shares, as the case may be, to participate as a stockholder in the Covered Transaction.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Termination of Awards upon Consummation of Covered Transaction**. Except as the Administrator may otherwise determine, each Award will automatically terminate (and in the case of outstanding shares of Restricted Stock, will automatically be forfeited) immediately upon the consummation of the Covered Transaction, other than (i) any Award that is assumed, continued or substituted for pursuant to <u>Section 7(a)(1)</u> above, and (ii) any Award that by its terms, or as a result of action taken by the Administrator, continues following the Covered Transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional Limitations.** Any share of Stock and any cash or other property or other award delivered pursuant to <u>Section 7(a)(1)</u>, <u>Section 7(a)(2)</u> or <u>Section 7(a)(3)</u> above with respect to an Award may, in the discretion of the Administrator, contain such restrictions, if any, as the Administrator deems appropriate, including to reflect any performance or other vesting conditions to which the Award was subject and that did not lapse (and were not satisfied) in connection with the Covered Transaction. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, a cash-out under <u>Section 7(a)(2)</u> above or an acceleration under <u>Section 7(a)(3)</u> above will not, in and of itself, be treated as the lapsing (or satisfaction) of a performance or other vesting condition. In the case of Restricted Stock that does not vest and is not forfeited in connection with the Covered Transaction, the Administrator may require that any amounts delivered, exchanged or otherwise paid in respect of such Stock in connection with the Covered Transaction be placed in escrow or otherwise made subject to such restrictions as the Administrator deems appropriate to carry out the intent of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uniform Treatment**. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrator need not treat Participants or Awards (or portions thereof) in a uniform manner, and may treat different Participants and/or Awards differently, in connection with a Covered Transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Changes in and Distributions with Respect to Stock</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;**(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic Adjustment Provisions**. In the event of any recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, liquidation, exchange of shares, spin-off, combination, consolidation or other similar transaction or other change in the Company's capital structure that constitutes an equity restructuring within the meaning of the Accounting Rules, the Administrator shall make appropriate adjustments to the maximum number of shares of Stock specified in <u>Section 4(a)</u> that may be delivered under the Plan, and shall make appropriate adjustments to the number and kind of shares of stock or securities underlying Awards then outstanding or subsequently granted, any exercise or purchase prices (or base values) relating to Awards and any other provision of Awards affected by such change.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certain Other Adjustments**. The Administrator may also make adjustments of the type described in <u>Section 7(b)(1)</u> above to take into account distributions to stockholders other than those provided for in <u>Sections 7(a)</u> and <u>7(b)(1)</u>, or any other event, if the Administrator determines that adjustments are appropriate to avoid distortion in the operation of the Plan or any Award.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Continuing Application of Plan Terms**. References in the Plan to shares of Stock will be construed to include any stock or securities resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this <u>Section 7</u>.

**8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LEGAL CONDITIONS ON DELIVERY OF STOCK**

The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Stock pursuant to the Plan or to remove any restriction from shares of Stock previously delivered under the Plan until: (i) the Company is satisfied that all legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of such shares have been addressed and resolved; (ii) if the outstanding Stock is at the time of delivery listed on any stock exchange or national market system, the shares to be delivered have been listed or authorized to be listed on such exchange or system upon official notice of issuance; and (iii) all conditions of the Award have been satisfied or waived. The Company may require, as a condition to the exercise of an Award or the delivery of shares of Stock under an Award, such representations or agreements as counsel for the Company may consider appropriate to avoid violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any applicable state or non-U.S. securities law. Any Stock delivered to Participants under the Plan will be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator determines appropriate, including book-entry registration or delivery of stock certificates. In the event that the Administrator determines that stock certificates will be issued in connection with Stock issued under the Plan, the Administrator may require that such certificates bear an appropriate legend reflecting any restriction on transfer applicable to such Stock, and the Company may hold the certificates pending the lapse of the applicable restrictions.

**9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION**

The Administrator may at any time or times amend the Plan or any outstanding Award for any purpose which may at the time be permitted by applicable law, and may at any time terminate the Plan as to any future grants of Awards; *provided*, *however*, that except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or the applicable Award, the Administrator may not, without the Participant's consent, alter the terms of an Award so as to affect materially and adversely the Participant's rights under the Award, unless the Administrator expressly reserved the right to do so in the Plan or at the time the applicable Award was granted. Any amendments to the Plan will be conditioned upon stockholder approval only to the extent, if any, such approval is required by applicable law (including the Code) or stock exchange requirements, as determined by the Administrator. For the avoidance of doubt, without limiting the Administrator's rights hereunder, no adjustment to any Award pursuant to the terms of <u>Section 7</u> or <u>Section 12</u> will be treated as an amendment requiring a Participant's consent.

**10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS**

The existence of the Plan or the grant of any Award will not affect the right of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to grant any person bonuses or other compensation in addition to Awards under the Plan.

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**11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MISCELLANEOUS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Waiver of Jury Trial</u>**. By accepting or being deemed to have accepted an Award under the Plan, each Participant waives (or will be deemed to have waived), to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, any right to a trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim concerning any rights under the Plan or any Award, or under any amendment, waiver, consent, instrument, document or other agreement delivered or which in the future may be delivered in connection therewith, and agrees (or will be deemed to have agreed) that any such action, proceedings or counterclaim will be tried before a court and not before a jury. By accepting or being deemed to have accepted an Award under the Plan, each Participant certifies that no officer, representative, or attorney of the Company has represented, expressly or otherwise, that the Company would not, in the event of any action, proceeding or counterclaim, seek to enforce the foregoing waivers. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, nothing herein is to be construed as limiting the ability of the Company and a Participant to agree to submit any dispute arising under the terms of the Plan or any Award to binding arbitration or as limiting the ability of the Company to require any individual to agree to submit such disputes to binding arbitration as a condition of receiving an Award hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Limitation of Liability</u>**. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or any Award, none of the Company, nor any of its subsidiaries, nor the Administrator, nor any person acting on behalf of the Company, any of its subsidiaries, or the Administrator, will be liable to any Participant, to any permitted transferee, to the estate or beneficiary of any Participant or any permitted transferee, or to any other person by reason of any acceleration of income, any additional tax, or any penalty, interest or other liability asserted by reason of the failure of an Award to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 or Section 409A or by reason of Section 4999 of the Code, or otherwise asserted with respect to any Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Unfunded Plan</u>**. The Company's obligations under the Plan are unfunded, and no Participant will have any right to specific assets of the Company in respect of any Award. Participants will be general unsecured creditors of the Company with respect to any amounts due or payable under the Plan.

**12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ESTABLISHMENT OF SUB-PLANS**

The Administrator may at any time and from time to time (including before or after an Award is granted) establish, adopt or revise any rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or advisable to administer the Plan for Participants based outside of the U.S. and/or subject to the laws of countries other than the U.S., including by establishing one or more sub-plans, supplements or appendices under the Plan or any Award agreement for the purpose of complying or facilitating compliance with non-U.S. laws or taking advantage of tax favorable treatment or for any other legal or administrative reason determined by the Administrator. Any such sub-plan, supplement or appendix may contain (i) such limitations on the Administrator's discretion under the Plan and (ii) such additional or different terms and conditions, in each case, as the Administrator deems necessary or desirable, and will be deemed to be part of the Plan but will apply only to Participants within the group to which the sub-plan, supplement or appendix

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applies (as determined by the Administrator); *provided*, *however*, that no sub-plan, supplement, appendix, rule or regulation established pursuant to this provision shall increase the Share Pool.

**13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;GOVERNING LAW**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Certain Requirements of Corporate Law</u>**. Awards and shares of Stock will be granted, issued and administered consistent with the requirements of applicable Delaware law relating to the issuance of stock and the consideration to be received therefor, and with the applicable requirements of the stock exchanges or other trading systems on which the Stock is listed or entered for trading, in each case, as determined by the Administrator.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Other Matters</u>**. Except as otherwise provided by the express terms of an Award agreement, under a sub-plan described in <u>Section 12</u> or as provided in <u>Section 13(a)</u> above, the domestic substantive laws of the State of Delaware govern the provisions of the Plan and of Awards under the Plan and all claims or disputes arising out of or based upon the Plan or any Award under the Plan or relating to the subject matter hereof or thereof without giving effect to any choice or conflict of laws provision or rule that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Jurisdiction</u>**. Subject to <u>Section 11(a)</u> and except as may be expressly set forth in an Award agreement, by accepting (or being deemed to have accepted) an Award, each Participant agrees or will be deemed to have agreed to (i) submit irrevocably and unconditionally to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located within the geographic boundaries of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon the Plan or any Award; (ii) not commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon the Plan or any Award, except in the federal and state courts located within the geographic boundaries of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware; and (iii) waive, and not assert, by way of motion as a defense or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that the Participant is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts that the Participant's property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that the Plan or any Award or the subject matter thereof may not be enforced in or by such court.

\* \* \* \*

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**EXHIBIT A**

**<u>Definition of Terms</u>**

The following terms, when used in the Plan, have the meanings and are subject to the provisions set forth below:

"<u>Accounting Rules</u>": Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor provision.

"<u>Administrator</u>": The Compensation Committee, except that the Board may at any time act in the capacity of the Administrator (including with respect to such matters that are not delegated to the Compensation Committee by the Board (whether pursuant to committee charter or otherwise), if applicable). The Compensation Committee (or the Board, with respect to such matters over which it retains authority under the Plan or otherwise) may delegate (i) to one or more of its members (or one or more other members of the Board) such of its duties, powers and responsibilities as it may determine; (ii) to one or more officers or other Employees of the Company the power to grant Awards to the extent permitted by Section 152 or 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law; and (iii) to such Employees or other persons as it determines such ministerial tasks as it deems appropriate. For purposes of the Plan, the term "Administrator" will include the Board, the Compensation Committee, and the person or persons delegated authority under the Plan to the extent of such delegation, as applicable.

"<u>Award</u>": Any or a combination of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock Options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SARs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrestricted Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock Units, including Restricted Stock Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Performance Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Awards (other than Awards described in (i) through (vi) above) that are convertible into or otherwise based on Stock.

"<u>Board</u>": The board of directors of the Company.

"<u>Cause</u>": In the case of any Participant who is subject to an effective employment, change of control or severance benefit agreement with the Company (or one of its subsidiaries) containing a definition of "Cause", the definition of "Cause" as provided for in such agreement; and with respect to any other Participant, (i) the Participant's commission of (A) a felony or (B) a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, (ii) the Participant's commission of any act of

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fraud, or embezzlement, theft, or dishonesty or intentional misappropriation of the property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or of any customer or supplier of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) the Participant's repeated use of illegal drugs or repeated abuse of alcohol that materially impairs the Participant's ability to perform the Participant's duties, (iv) the Participant's material breach of any agreement with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or a material violation of any of the Company's or any of its subsidiaries' written policies or procedures, or (v) any other willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of the Participant's duties to the Company or any of its subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to cause injury (including by way of reputational harm or other damages) to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

"<u>Code</u>": The U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as from time to time amended and in effect, or any successor statute as from time to time in effect, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.

"<u>Company</u>": Veradermics, Incorporated, a Delaware corporation.

"<u>Compensation Committee</u>": The compensation committee of the Board.

"<u>Covered Transaction</u>": Any of (i) a consolidation, merger or similar transaction or series of related transactions, including a sale or other disposition of stock, in which the Company is not the surviving entity or which results in the acquisition of all or substantially all of the Company's then outstanding common stock by a single person or entity or by a group of persons and/or entities acting in concert; (ii) a sale or transfer of all or substantially all the Company's assets; or (iii) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company. Where a Covered Transaction involves a tender offer that is reasonably expected to be followed by a merger described in clause (i) (as determined by the Administrator), the Covered Transaction will be deemed to have occurred upon consummation of the tender offer.

"<u>Date of Adoption</u>": The earlier of the date the Plan was approved by the Company's stockholders or adopted by the Board, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

"<u>Director</u>": A member of the Board who is not an Employee.

"<u>Disability</u>": In the case of any Participant who is subject to an effective employment agreement with the Company (or one of its subsidiaries) that contains a definition of "Disability" (or a corollary term), the definition set forth in such agreement applies with respect to such Participant for purposes of the Plan for so long as such agreement is in effect. In every other case, "Disability" means, as determined by the Administrator, absence from work due to a disability for a period in excess of ninety (90) days in any twelve (12)-month period that would entitle the Participant to receive benefits under the Company's long-term disability program as in effect from time to time (if the Participant were a participant in such program).

"<u>Employee</u>": Any person who is employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

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"<u>Employment</u>": A Participant's employment or other service relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Employment will be deemed to continue, unless the Administrator otherwise determines at the time of grant or anytime thereafter, so long as the Participant is employed by, or otherwise is providing services in a capacity described in <u>Section 5</u> to, the Company or any of its subsidiaries. If a Participant's employment or other service relationship is with any subsidiary of the Company and that entity ceases to be a subsidiary of the Company, the Participant's Employment will be deemed to have terminated when the entity ceases to be a subsidiary of the Company unless the Participant transfers Employment to the Company or one of its remaining subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in construing the provisions of any Award relating to the payment of "nonqualified deferred compensation" (subject to Section 409A) upon a termination or cessation of Employment, references to termination or cessation of employment, separation from service, retirement or similar or correlative terms will be construed to require a "separation from service" (as that term is defined in Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations, after giving effect to the presumptions contained therein) from the Company and from all other corporations and trades or businesses, if any, that would be treated as a single "service recipient" with the Company under Section 1.409A-1(h)(3) of the Treasury Regulations. The Company may, but need not, elect in writing, subject to the applicable limitations under Section 409A, any of the special elective rules prescribed in Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations for purposes of determining whether a "separation from service" has occurred. Any such written election will be deemed a part of the Plan.

"<u>Exchange Act</u>": The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"<u>Fair Market Value</u>": As of a particular date, (i) the closing price for a share of Stock reported on the New York Stock Exchange (or any other national securities exchange on which the Stock is then listed) for that date or, if no closing price is reported for that date, the closing price on the immediately preceding date on which a closing price was reported; or (ii) in the event that the Stock is not traded on a national securities exchange, the fair market value of a share of Stock determined by the Administrator consistent with the rules of Section 422 and Section 409A to the extent applicable.

"<u>ISO</u>": A Stock Option intended to be an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of Section 422. Each Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan will be treated as providing by its terms that it is to be an NSO unless, as of the date of grant, it is expressly designated as an ISO in the applicable Award agreement.

"<u>NSO</u>": A Stock Option that is not intended to be an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of Section 422.

"<u>Participant</u>": A person who is granted an Award under the Plan.

"<u>Performance Award</u>": An Award subject to performance vesting conditions, which may include Performance Criteria.

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"<u>Performance Criteria</u>": Specified criteria, other than the mere continuation of Employment or the mere passage of time, the satisfaction of which is a condition for the grant, exercisability, vesting or settlement of an Award. A Performance Criterion and any targets with respect may be applied to a Participant individually, or to a business unit or division of the Company or to the Company as a whole. A Performance Criterion may also be based on individual performance and/or subjective performance criteria (or any combination of any of the criteria described in this definition). The Administrator may provide that one or more of the Performance Criteria applicable to such Award will be adjusted in a manner to reflect events (for example, but without limitation, acquisitions or dispositions) occurring during the performance period that affect the applicable Performance Criterion or Criteria.

"<u>Plan</u>": The Veradermics, Incorporated 2026 Equity Incentive Plan, as from time to time amended and in effect.

"<u>Prior Plan</u>": The Veradermics, Incorporated 2021 Stock Plan, as amended.

"<u>Restricted Stock</u>": Stock subject to restrictions requiring that it be forfeited, redelivered or offered for sale to the Company if specified performance or other vesting conditions are not satisfied.

"<u>Restricted Stock Unit</u>": A Stock Unit that is, or as to which the delivery of Stock or of cash in lieu of Stock is, subject to the satisfaction of specified performance or other vesting conditions.

"<u>SAR</u>": A right entitling the holder upon exercise to receive an amount (payable in cash or in shares of Stock of equivalent value) equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock subject to the right over the base value from which appreciation under the SAR is to be measured.

"<u>Section 409A</u>": Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

"<u>Section 422</u>": Section 422 of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

"<u>Stock</u>": Common stock of the Company, par value $0.00001 per share.

"<u>Stock Option</u>": An option entitling the holder to acquire shares of Stock upon payment of the exercise price.

"<u>Stock Unit</u>": An unfunded and unsecured promise, denominated in shares of Stock, to deliver Stock or cash measured by the value of Stock in the future.

"<u>Substitute Awards</u>": Awards granted under the Plan in substitution for one or more equity awards of an acquired company that are converted, replaced or adjusted in connection with the acquisition.

"<u>Unrestricted Stock</u>": Stock not subject to any restrictions under the terms of the Award.

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1**

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| ![ropesgray.jpg](ropesgray.jpg) | ROPES & GRAY LLP<br>PRUDENTIAL TOWER<br>800 BOYLSTON STREET<br>BOSTON, MA 02199-3600<br>WWW.ROPESGRAY.COM |

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February 5, 2026

Veradermics, Incorporated

470 James St.

New Haven, CT 06513

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion letter is furnished to you in connection with the registration statement on Form S-8 (the "<u>Registration Statement</u>"), filed by Veradermics, Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), on the date hereof, with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"), for the registration of 8,062,624 shares of Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share, of the Company (the "<u>Shares</u>"). The Shares are issuable under the Company's 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, 2026 Equity Incentive Plan and 2026 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (each, a "<u>Plan</u>" and collectively, the "<u>Plans</u>").

We are familiar with the actions taken by the Company in connection with the adoption of the Plans. We have examined such certificates, documents and records and have made such investigation of fact and such examination of law as we have deemed appropriate in order to enable us to render the opinions set forth herein. In conducting such investigation, we have relied, without independent verification, upon certificates of officers of the Company, public officials and other appropriate persons.

The opinions expressed below are limited to the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized and, when the Shares have been issued and sold in accordance with the terms of the applicable Plan, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of

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Veradermics, Incorporated

persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

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| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Ropes & Gray LLP |
| Ropes & Gray LLP |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated October 24, 2025 (January 28, 2026, as to the effects of the reverse stock split discussed in Note 13), relating to the financial statements of Veradermics, Inc. appearing in the Registration Statement on Form S-1.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Hartford, CT

February 5, 2026

<br>