# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001870404
**File Stem:** 0001213900-26-016474
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 49980
**Document Hash:** 03d0b6ebfcb3664ab7cd74f996a37282
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001213900-26-016474.hdr.sgml**: 20260213

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001213900-26-016474

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 15

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260209

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant

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

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260213

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260213

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** CERO THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS, INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001870404
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS (NO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES) [2836]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 03 Life Sciences
- **EIN:** 871088814
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-40877
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26633783

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 201 HASKINS WAY
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 230
- **CITY:** SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 94080
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 650-407-2376

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 201 HASKINS WAY
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 230
- **CITY:** SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 94080

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PHOENIX BIOTECH ACQUISITION CORP.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20210630

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

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)**

**of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

**Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 9, 2026**

**CERO THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS, INC.**

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

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **001-40877** | **81-4182129** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction of<br> incorporation or organization)** | **(Commission File Number)** | **(I.R.S. Employer<br> Identification Number)** |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **201 Haskins Way, Suite 230, <br> South San Francisco, CA** | **94080** |
| **(Address of principal executive offices)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

**(650) 407-2376**

**Registrant's telephone number, including area code**

**Not applicable**

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

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

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

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

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

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

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| **Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share** | **CERO** |  |
| **Warrants,each warrant exercisable for one two-thousandths of a share of Common Stock** | **CEROW** |  |

---

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

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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

**Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.**

On February 9, 2026, CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") issued and sold a convertible promissory note for a purchase price of $750,000, having a principal face value of $937,500 (the "Note") to Keystone Capital Partners, LLC ("Lender"). Pursuant to the Note, the Company may borrow, from time to time thereunder, up to a maximum aggregate amount not to exceed a sum of $1,000,000. The Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum, matures on July 9, 2027, and is convertible into shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Common Stock"). At any time after the issuance of the Note, the Lender, at its option, is entitled to convert all or any lesser portion of the outstanding principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest into Common Stock at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) $0.05 and (ii) 80% of the average of the 5 (five) lowest intraday trading prices during the 20 (twenty) days prior to the day that the Lender requests conversion, unless otherwise modified by mutual agreement between the parties, subject to certain adjustments and limitations, including a beneficial ownership limitation of 4.99%.

Pursuant to the terms of the Note, the Company shall prepare and file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), a registration statement on Form S-1 or S-3, covering the resale of all of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Note.

The issuance of the Note was made in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Rule 506(b) promulgated thereunder. The Note and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The foregoing description of the Note is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, copy of which are filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.**

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

**Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.**

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. The issuance of the Note was made in reliance on the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, for the offer and sale of securities not involving a public offering. The Company's reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act in issuing the Notes was based upon the following factors: (a) the issuance of the Note was an isolated private transaction by us which did not involve a public offering; (b) the Lender is an accredited investor; (c) the Company did not engage in general solicitation or advertising in connection with the issuance; and (d) the Lender represented that, among other things, it was acquiring the securities for investment purposes only and not with a view to distribution, it has received information about the Company necessary to make an informed investment decision, and the Lender is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment. Any shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Note will

be issued in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 **Item 4.01 Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant.**

*(a) Dismissal of independent registered public accounting firm.*

The Company's audit committee of the board of directors (the "Audit Committee") approved the decision to dismiss Wolf & Company, P.C. ("Wolf"), as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, effective as of February 13, 2026. The dismissal was communicated to Wolf on February 11, 2026. The audit reports of Wolf on the Company's financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except that the reports included an explanatory paragraph relating to substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

During the Company's most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the subsequent interim periods from January 1, 2025 to the date of Wolf's dismissal, the Company has not had any disagreement with Wolf on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreement, if not resolved to Wolf's satisfaction, would have caused Wolf to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in its reports on the Company's financial statements. In addition, there were no "reportable events" as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, except that the Company's management identified the existence of a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the Company's conclusion that due to a lack of sufficient and qualified resources, as disclosed in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 2024.

The Company provided Wolf with a copy of this Current Report on Form 8-K prior to its filing with the SEC and requested that Wolf furnish it with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements in Item 4.01(a). A copy of Wolf's letter, dated February 13, 2026, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

*(b) Appointment of new independent registered public accounting firm.*

The Company's audit committee of the board of directors (the "Audit Committee") approved the appointment of Salberg & Company, P.A. ("Salberg") as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, effective following the finalization of the terms of an engagement letter therewith and execution thereof of February 11, 2026, with such appointment effective as of February 13, 2026. During the Company's most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 and in the subsequent interim period through February 13, 2026, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf has consulted with Salberg with respect to either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's financial statements, and neither a written nor oral advice was provided to the Company that Salberg concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a "disagreement" or a "reportable event", each as defined in Regulation S-K Item 304(a)(1)(iv) and (v), respectively.

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

The board of directors of the Company (the "Board"), approved an increase in the size of the Board from six (6) to seven (7) members and, upon the recommendation of the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board (the "NCG Committee"), appointed Eric Francois to the newly created seat, in each case, following the acceptance by Mr. Francois of such appointment, effective February 13, 2026. Mr. Francois will serve as a director of the Company until the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, at which time he is expected to stand for election by the Company's stockholders (the "2026 Annual Meeting"). Subject to confirmation of independence by the NCG Committee and the Board, Mr. Francois will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee.

Eric Francois was the Managing Director of Raymond James Financial, Inc. between August 2023 and September 2025. Prior to that, he was the Managing Director at Credit Suisse between November 2021 and August 2023. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer at Scynexis, Inc. between November 2015 to November 2021 and was the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Topi, Inc., between July 2013 and October 2015. Mr. Francois was an member of board of directors at Diffusion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., between June 2021 and December 2022. Mr. Francois served from September 2007 to July 2013 as a Director in the Equity Capital Markets Group at Lazard Ltd where he led capital raisings and advisory assignments for healthcare and biotechnology companies. He started his career in September 2000 at Cowen and Company in the Equity Capital Markets and Convertible Debt Groups. Mr. Francois holds a B.A. in Economics and Business Administration and a M.A. in Marketing from Pantheon-Sorbonne University, France.

There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Francois n and any other persons pursuant to which Mr. Francois was selected as a director. Additionally, Mr. Francois does not have any direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Additionally, Mr. Francois will enter into an indemnification agreement with the Company that is consistent with the standard form that was filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4/A, filed with the SEC on December 18, 2023.

**Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.** 

**(d) Exhibits**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| 4.1 | [Form of Note (February 2026).](ea027698401ex4-1_cero.htm) |
| 16.1 | [Letter to Securities and Exchange Commission from Wolf & Company, P.C., dated February 13, 2026](ea027698401ex16-1_cero.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |

---

**SIGNATURES**

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Dated: February 13, 2026 | **CERO THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS, INC.** | **CERO THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS, INC.** |
|  | By: | /s/ Chris Ehrlich |
|  | Name: | Chris Ehrlich |
|  | Title: | Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 4.1

**Exhibit 4.1**

**NONE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT O F 1933, AS AME NDE D (THE " 1933 ACT"), OR ANY U.S. STATE. SECURITIES LAWS, AND, UNLESS SO REGISTERED, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES (AS DEFINED HEREIN) OR TO U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF REGULATION S UNDER THE 1933 ACT, PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE 1933 ACT, OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT AND IN EACH CASE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAW. IN ADDITION, HEDGING TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE 1933 ACT. "UNITED STATES" AN "U.S. PERSON" ARE AS DEFINED BY REGULATION S UNDER THE 1933 ACT.**

**<u>CONVERTIBLE GRID PROMISSORY NOTE</u>**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Up to $1,000,000 | February 9, 2026 |
| **Maturity Date: July 9, 2027** |  |

---

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, on demand as permitted herein, CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (the "***Borrower***") or the ("***Company***"), whose business address is 201 Haskins Way, Suite 230, South San Francisco, CA 94080, promises to pay to the order of Keystone Capital Partners, LLC, (the "***Lender***"), at its offices 139 Fulton Street, Suite 412, New York, NY 10038 or at such other place as the Lender may designate in writing, the principal sum of the amount of loans (the "***Loans***") outstanding hereunder, as conclusively evidenced on the grid attached hereto as Schedule I.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Conclusiveness of Grid</u>. The Loan represented by this Note is such that, during the term, the Borrower
 may borrow, from time to time hereunder up to an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of
 $1,000,000 (One Million Dollars) (the "  ***Maximum Loan Amount*** "). to
 be funded on the date hereof (the "  ***Funding Date*** "). The Grid shall,
 in the absence of manifest error, constitute conclusive proof of the amounts and dates of
 all advances and repayment of principal in respect to the Loan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Advances; Schedule I</u>. The Lender will advance the principal amount of each Loan to the Borrower
 on the Funding Date. Upon delivery of the principal amount of the Loan to the Borrower, the
 Lender is hereby authorized by Borrower to enter and record on Schedule I attached hereto
 the amount of the Loan made under this Note and each payment of principal thereon without
 any further action on the part of Borrower or any endorser or guarantor of this Note. To
 the extent interest is not paid when due, the Lender is authorized and directed to enter
 the amount of such interest as a Loan on Schedule I. The entry of a Loan on said schedule
 shall be prima facie and presumptive evidence of the entered Loan and its conditions. The
 Lender's failure to make an entry, however, shall not limit or otherwise affect the
 obligations of the Lender to advance the principal amount of the Loan or of the Borrower
 or any endorser or guarantor of this Note with respect to the Loan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Interest</u>.
 The principal balance of this Note outstanding from time to time shall bear interest at a
 rate of 10% per annum. The interest shall be calculated on the basis of a three hundred sixty-five
 (365) day year for the actual number of days elapsed on the outstanding balance. Interest
 shall accrue and shall be payable on the Maturity Date in cash, check or wire transfer in
 currency of the United States of America at the time of payment that shall be legal tender
 for the payment of debt, or Lender may elect to take such interest in common stock of the
 Borrower, par value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock") consistent with Section
 5, below. Nothing herein shall be construed to operate as to require Borrower to pay interest
 at a greater rate than is now lawful. Should any interest or other charges paid by Borrower
 result in a payment in excess of the maximum rate of interest that is legally permitted under
 applicable law, then all such excess paid by Borrower shall be automatically credited against
 and in reduction of the balance due under the Loan or at the option of the Borrower, be refunded.
 If this Note has already been repaid in full, then an additional interest amount will be
 computed in accordance with the preceding sentence and immediately paid by Borrower along
 with interest on the amount of such additional interest through the date of payment at a
 rate per annum equal to the then existing interest rate on this Note.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>Waiver</u>.
 The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, notice, protest, and all other demands and
 notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance and enforcement of this
 Note, and assent to extensions of the time of payment or forbearance or other indulgence
 without notice. No delay or omission of Lender in exercising any right or remedy hereunder
 shall constitute a waiver of any such right or remedy. Acceptance by Lender of any payment
 after demand shall not be deemed a waiver of such demand. A waiver on one occasion shall
 not operate as a bar to or waiver of any such right or remedy on any future occasion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>Conversion</u>.
 Subject to the Ownership Limitation (as defined below) the Lender is entitled, at its option,
 at any time after the issuance of this Note, to convert all or any lesser portion of the
 outstanding principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest into Common Stock at a conversion
 price for each share of Common Stock equal to the lesser of (i) $0.05 (the "  ***Floor Price***") and (ii) 80% of the average of the 5 lowest intraday trading prices
 during the 20 (twenty) days prior to the day that the Lender requests conversion, unless
 otherwise modified by mutual agreement between the Parties (the "  ***Conversion Price*** ").
 The shares of Common Stock into which the Note is converted shall be referred to in this
 agreement as conversion shares ("  ***Conversion Shares*** "); . provided
 that if the Conversion Price, as calculated above, is below the Floor Price, the Lender hereby
 agrees to use the Floor Price as the Conversion Price. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
 the Conversion Price is lower than the Floor Price at the time the Conversion Shares are
 actually issued, then the Borrower shall issue a cash payment, in readily available funds
 to Lender equal to the product of (i) (x) the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion
 of the portion of the Note converted, assuming a Conversion Price equal to the price determined
 by clause (ii) of the preceding sentence (the "  ***Assumed Conversion Price*** ")
 minus (y) the number of Conversion Shares actually issued upon conversion of such portion
 of the Note at the Floor Price multiplied by (ii) the Assumed Conversion Price. For illustrative
 example only, if the application of clause (ii) of the definition of Conversion Price set
 forth above would result in a Conversion Price of $0.02 and the Borrower converts $1,000,000
 aggregate principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest of this Note, then, for such purposes,
 (i) the Note would convert at the Floor Price into 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock ($1,000,000
 divided by $0.05), (ii) the Assumed Conversion Price would be $0.02 and (iii) the Borrower
 would owe a cash payment of $600,000 (30,000,000, which equals the difference between the
 50,000,000 shares issuable upon conversion of $1,000,000 at an Assumed Conversion Price of
 $0.02 and the 20,000,000 Conversion Shares actually issued at the Floor Price, multiplied
 by the Assumed Conversion Price of $0.02). Upon the exercise of any conversion, the Lender
 shall duly notify the Borrower whether principal or interest is being converted. If the Issuer's
 Common Stock is chilled for deposit at DTC, becomes chilled, or receives a Stop Sign or other
 trading restrictions at any point while this Note remains outstanding, an additional 10%
 discount will be attributed to the Conversion Price defined hereof and the conversion dollar
 amount per conversion shall be reduced by a flat fee of $1,500.00 charged to the Borrower
 to cover costs associated with the deposit of chilled or otherwise trade restricted stocks
 for each conversion. The Borrower will not be obligated to issue fractional Conversion Shares.
 In the event that Lender elects to convert the note in part, the conversion price for each
 conversion event shall be calculated at the time of conversion in part. The Lender may convert
 this Note into Common Stock by providing the Company, with the form of conversion notice
 attached to the Note as Exhibit B, executed by the Lender evidencing such Lender's
 intention to convert the Note together with the documents set forth in Section 10 hereof.
 For purposes of this Agreement, the Clearing Date shall be on the date in which the conversion
 shares are deposited into the Lender's brokerage account and Lender's broker
 has confirmed with Lender that the Lender may execute trades of the conversion shares; provided
 that the registration for resale of the Conversion Shares under the 1933 Act is effective
 as of such date or an exemption from the registration requirements under the 1933 Act is
 available as of such date. The outstanding interest or principal amounts, as determined by
 the Lender, shall be reduced by the total dollar amount of Common Stock so converted.

The Company will not issue fractional shares or script representing fractions of shares of Common Stock on conversion, but the Company will round the number of shares of Common Stock issuable up to the nearest whole share. The date on which a Notice of Conversion is given shall be deemed to be the date on which the Lender notifies the Company of its intention to so convert by delivery, by facsimile transmission, email, or otherwise, of a copy of the Notice of Conversion. Notice of Conversion may be sent by email to the Company, attn: Chief Executive Officer or as otherwise instructed by the Borrower to Lender in writing. At the Maturity Date, the Company will pay any unconverted outstanding principal amount and accrued interest thereon, at the option of the Company, in either (a) cash or (b) Common Stock valued at a price equal to the Conversion Price determined as if the Note was converted in accordance with its terms into Common Stock on the Maturity Date.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Note, in no event shall the Lender be entitled to convert that number of Conversion Shares, which when added to the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned (as such term is defined under Section 13(d) and Rule 13d-3 of the 1934 Act), by the Lender, would exceed 4.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on any date Lender requests conversion, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-1(j) of the 1934 Act (the "**Ownership Threshold**").

For the avoidance of doubt, the Conversion Price and number of Conversion Shares shall be subject to adjustment in proportion to any stock split, reverse stock split, share combination or other similar corporate event.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>Delivery of Share Certificates Upon Conversion</u>. <u> </u> Upon receipt by the Borrower from the Lender
 of a facsimile transmission (with receipt confirmation from recipient) or e-mail (or other
 reasonable means of communication) of a Notice of Conversion meeting the requirements for
 conversion as provided in Section 5, the Borrower shall issue and deliver or cause to be
 issued and delivered to or upon the order of the Lender, certificates for the Common Stock
 issuable upon such conversion within two (2) business days after such receipt (the "  ***Deadline*** ")
 (and, solely in the case of conversion of the entire unpaid principal amount hereof, surrender
 of this Note) in accordance with the terms hereof. The Borrower will bear all costs related
 to the issuance of the Conversion Shares, including all costs of obtaining an attorney's
 opinion letter regarding the Conversion, and the overnight delivery of the Conversion Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. <u>Delivery of Common Stock by Electronic Transfer</u>. In lieu of delivering physical certificates representing
 the Common Stock issuable upon conversion, provided the Borrower is participating in the
 Depository Trust Company ("  ***DTC***") Fast Automated Securities Transfer
 ("  ***FAST***") program, upon request of the Lender and its compliance
 with the provisions of this Note, the Borrower shall use its best efforts to cause its transfer
 agent to electronically transmit the Common Stock issuable upon conversion to the Lender
 by crediting the account of Lender's Prime Broker with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal
 Agent Commission ("  ***DWAC***") system, provided the stock underlying
 the Note is eligible for an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. <u>Concerning the Shares</u>. The shares
 of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note may not be sold or transferred unless (i) such shares are sold pursuant to
 an effective registration statement under the Act or (ii) the Lender or its transferee shall have furnished an opinion of counsel
 to the Company and the Company's transfer agent (which opinion shall be in form, substance and scope customary for opinions
 of counsel in comparable transactions) to the effect that the shares to be sold or transferred may be sold or transferred pursuant
 to an exemption from such registration or (iii) such shares are sold or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 under the Act (or a successor
 rule) ("  ***Rule 144*** "). Subject to the removal provisions set forth below), until such time as the shares of
 Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note have been registered under the Act or otherwise may be sold pursuant to Rule 144
 without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, each certificate
 for shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note that has not been so included in an effective registration statement
 or that has not been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption that permits removal of the legend, shall
 bear a legend substantially in the following form, as appropriate:

"NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE EXERCISABLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE LENDER) , IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR RULE 144A UNDER SAID ACT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES."

The legend set forth above shall be removed and the Borrower shall issue to the Lender a new certificate therefore free of any transfer legend if (i) the Borrower or its transfer agent shall have received an opinion of counsel to the effect that a public sale or transfer of such Common Stock may be made without registration under the Act, which opinion shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company so that the sale or transfer is effected or (ii) in the case of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note, such security is registered for sale by the Lender under an effective registration statement filed under the Act or otherwise may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold. The Company shall not unreasonably object to the legal opinion in the event an exemption is available.

The Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note shall be eligible for registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and applicable state securities laws, pursuant to any registration statements on Form S-1 or otherwise filed by the Company on a date following the execution of this Note.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. <u>Registration Statement</u>. On or prior to May 1, 2026, the Company shall prepare and file with the Securities
 and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement covering the resale of all of the shares
 issuable upon conversion of the Note pursuant to section 6 hereof (the "Registrable
 Securities") for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415
 or, if Rule 415 is not available for offers and sales of the Registrable Securities, by such
 other means of distribution of Registrable Securities as the Holders may reasonably specify
 (the "Initial Registration Statement"). The Initial Registration Statement shall
 be on Form S-3 (except if the Company is then ineligible to register for resale of the Registrable
 Securities on Form S-3, in which case such registration shall be on such other form available
 to register for resale of the Registrable Securities as a secondary offering). in the event
 the Commission informs the Company that all of the Registrable Securities cannot, as a result
 of the application of Rule 415, be registered for resale as a secondary offering on a single
 registration statement, the Company agrees to promptly (i) inform each of the holders thereof
 and use its commercially reasonable efforts to file amendments to the Initial Registration
 Statement as required by the Commission and/or (ii) withdraw the Initial Registration Statement
 and file a new registration statement (a "New Registration Statement"), in either
 case covering the maximum number of Registrable Securities permitted to be registered by
 the Commission, on Form S-3 or such other form available to register for resale the Registrable
 Securities as a secondary offering; provided, however, that prior to filing such amendment
 or New Registration Statement, the Company shall be obligated to use its commercially reasonable
 efforts to advocate with the Commission for the registration of all of the Registrable Securities
 in accordance with the SEC Guidance. In the event the Company amends the Initial Registration
 Statement or files a New Registration Statement, as the case may be, under clauses (i) or
 (ii) above, the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission,
 as promptly as allowed by Commission or SEC Guidance provided to the Company or to registrants
 of securities in general, one or more registration statements on Form S-3 or such other form
 available to register for resale those Registrable Securities that were not registered for
 resale on the Initial Registration Statement, as amended, or the New Registration Statement
 (the "Remainder Registration Statements").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. <u>Reserved</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. Prepayment
 of the Borrower. The Borrower may, at any time and from time to time, prepay all or part
 of the amount owing hereunder with a premium of 120% to the principal face value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. Agreement
 of Lender. In the event that the Lender elects to convert the outstanding principal above,
 the Lender agrees to execute such mutually acceptable documents, including a subscription
 agreement and/or conversion notice, as the Borrower shall reasonably request to ensure compliance
 with applicable laws, including U.S. federal, state and applicable Canadian securities laws.
 The obligations of the Borrower to issue securities to the Lender hereunder shall be contingent
 upon Lender's execution of such documents, when required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. <u>Events of Default</u>. If any of the following events of default (each, an "Event of Default")
 shall occur:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. <u>Failure to Pay Principal or Interest</u>. The Borrower fails to pay the principal hereof or interest
 thereon when due on this Note, whether at maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. <u>Conversion and the Shares</u>. <u> </u> Solely due to the fault of the Borrower, the Borrower fails to
 issue shares of Common Stock to the Lender (or announces or threatens in writing that it
 will not honor its obligation to do so) upon exercise by the Lender of the conversion rights
 of the Lender in accordance with the terms of this Note, fails to transfer or cause its transfer
 agent to transfer or issue (electronically or certificated form) any certificate for shares
 of Common Stock issued to the Lender upon conversion of or otherwise pursuant to this Note
 as and when required by this Note, the Borrower directs its transfer agent not to transfer
 or delays, impairs, and/or hinders its transfer agent in transferring (or issuing) (electronically
 or in certificated form) any certificate for shares of Common Stock to be issued to the Lender
 upon conversion of or otherwise pursuant to this Note as and when required by this Note,
 or fails to remove (or directs its transfer agent not to remove or impairs, delays, and/or
 hinders its transfer agent from removing) any restrictive legend (or to withdraw any stop
 transfer instructions in respect thereof) on any certificate for any shares of Common Stock
 issued to the Lender upon conversion of or otherwise pursuant to this Note as and when required
 by this Note (or makes any written announcement, statement or threat that it does not intend
 to honor the obligations described in this paragraph) and any such failure shall continue
 uncured (or any written announcement, statement or threat not to honor its obligations shall
 not be rescinded in writing) for ten (10) business days after the Lender shall have delivered
 a Notice of Conversion, providing that the Company counsel does not reasonably object to
 the legal opinion in conclusion that an exemption is available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. <u>Breach of Covenants</u>. <u> </u> The Borrower breaches any material covenant or other material term,
 or condition contained in this Note and any collateral documents and such breach continues
 for a period of ten (10) days after written notice thereof to the Borrower from the Lender.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. <u>Breach of Representations and Warranties</u>. <u> </u> Any representation or warranty of the Borrower
 made herein or in any agreement, statement or certificate given in pursuant hereto or in
 connection herewith shall be false or misleading in any material respect when made and the
 breach of which has (or with the passage of time will have) a material adverse effect on
 the rights of the Lender with respect to this Note.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. <u>Receiver or Trustee</u>. <u> </u> The Borrower or any subsidiary of the Borrower shall make an assignment
 for the benefit of creditors or apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver or
 trustee for it or for a substantial part of its property or business, or such a receiver
 or trustee shall otherwise be appointed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f. <u>Judgments</u>. <u> </u> Any money judgment, writ or similar process shall be entered or filed against the
 Borrower or any subsidiary of the Borrower or any of its property or other assets for more
 than $500,000, and shall remain unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of sixty (60)
 days unless otherwise consented to by the Lender, which consent will not be unreasonably
 withheld.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g. <u>Bankruptcy</u>.
 Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings, voluntary
 or involuntary, for relief under any bankruptcy law or any law for the relief of debtors
 shall he instituted by or against the Borrower which has not been dismissed 60 days after
 its filing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;h. <u>Liquidation</u>.
 Any dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of Borrower or any substantial portion of its
 business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. <u>Cessation of Operations</u>. Any cessation of operations by Borrower or Borrower admits it is otherwise
 generally unable to pay its debts as such debts become due, provided, however, that any disclosure
 of the Borrower's ability to continue as a "going concern" shall not be
 an admission that the Borrower cannot pay its debt as they become due.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;j. <u>Remedies</u>.
 UPON THE OCCURRENCE AND DURING THE CONTINUATION OF ANY EVENT OF DEFAULT SPECIFIED IN SECTION
 13, THE NOTE SHALL BECOME IMMEDIATELY DUE AND PAYABLE AND THE BORROWER SHALL PAY TO THE LENDER,
 IN FULL SATISFACTION OF ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE DEFAULT SUM (AS
 DEFINED HEREIN). Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default,
 the Lender shall deliver a written notice to the Borrower (the "  ***Default Notice*** "),
 which shall set forth the Event of Default that such notice is based upon and the calculation
 of all the payments, including the Default Sum, if any, due to the Lender (the "  ***Default Payment Calculation*** "), the Note shall become immediately due and payable. Unless
 otherwise objecting to the Event of Default or the Default Payment Calculation set forth
 in the Default Notice, which shall be reasonable and shall be reviewed or adjusted by the
 Lender if necessary (the "  ***Amended Default Notice*** "), the Borrower
 shall pay to the Lender, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal
 to (w) then outstanding principal amount of this Note plus (x) accrued and unpaid interest
 on the unpaid principal amount of this Note to the date of payment (the "  ***Mandatory Prepayment Date***") plus (y) Default Interest, if any, and all other amounts
 payable hereunder shall immediately become due and payable, all without demand, presentment
 or notice, all of which hereby are expressly waived, together with all costs, including,
 without limitation, legal fees and expenses, of collection, and the Lender shall be entitled
 to exercise all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity(collectively, the
 "  ***Default Sum*** "). If the Borrower fails to pay the Default Amount
 within fifteen (15) business days of the latter of the date when Default Notice is provided,
 or the date of the Amended Default Notice, then the Lender shall have the right at any time,
 so long as the Borrower remains in default (and so long and to the extent that there are
 sufficient authorized shares), to require the Borrower, upon written notice, to immediately
 issue, in lieu of the Default Sum, the number of shares of Common Stock of the Borrower equal
 to the Default Amount divided by the Conversion Price then in effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. <u>Miscellaneous</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. <u>Notices</u>.
 All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, and other communications required or
 permitted hereunder shall be in writing and, unless otherwise specified herein, shall be
 (i) personally served, (ii) deposited in the mail, registered or certified, return receipt
 requested, postage prepaid, (iii) delivered by reputable air courier service with charges
 prepaid, or (iv) transmitted by hand delivery, telegram, or facsimile, addressed as set forth
 below or to such other address as such party shall have specified most recently by written
 notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall
 be deemed effective (a) upon hand delivery or delivery by facsimile, with accurate confirmation
 generated by the transmitting facsimile machine, at the address or number designated below
 (if delivered on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to be received),
 or the first business day following such delivery (if delivered other than on a business
 day during normal business hours where such notice is to he received), (b) on the second
 business day following the date of mailing by express courier service, fully prepaid, addressed
 to such address, or upon actual receipt of such mailing, whichever shall first occur or (c)
 five (5) days after deposited in the mail..

The addresses for such communications shall be as set forth above or such other address as a Party may designate by providing notice of such change to the other Party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. <u>Amendments</u>.
 This Note and any provision hereof may only be amended by an instrument in writing signed
 by the Borrower and the Lender. The term "Note" and all reference thereto, as
 used throughout this instrument, shall mean this instrument as originally executed, or if
 later amended or supplemented, then as so amended or supplemented.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. <u>Assignability</u>.
 This Note shall be binding upon the Borrower and its successors and assigns and shall insure
 to be the benefit of the Lender and its successors and assigns. Each transferee of this Note
 must be an "accredited investor" (as defined in Rule 501(a) of the 1933 Act).
 Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, this Note may he pledged as collateral
 in connection with a bona fide margin account or other lending arrangement in compliance
 with applicable securities rules and regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. <u>Cost of Collection</u>. If default is made in the payment of this Note, the Borrower shall pay
 the Lender hereof costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. <u>Governing Law</u>. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
 State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action brought by
 either party against the other concerning the transactions contemplated by this Note shall
 be brought only in the state courts of New York or in the federal courts located in New York
 County. The parties to this Note hereby irrevocably waive any objection to jurisdiction and
 venue of any action instituted hereunder and shall not assert any defense based on lack of
 jurisdiction or venue or based upon forum non-conveniens. The Borrower and the Lender waive
 trial by jury. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other party its
 reasonable attorney's fees and costs. In the event that any provision of this Note
 or any other agreement delivered in connection herewith is invalid or unenforceable under
 any applicable statute or rule of law, then such provisions shall be deemed inoperative to
 the extent that it may conflict therewith and shall be deemed modified to conform with such
 statute or rule of law. Any such provision, which may prove invalid or unenforceable under
 any law, shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of any agreement.
 Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process
 being served in any suit, action or proceeding in connection with this Agreement or any other
 transaction document by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight
 delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to
 it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient
 service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit
 in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f. <u>Notice of Corporate Events</u>. <u> </u> Except as otherwise provided below, the Lender shall have
 no rights as a holder of Common Stock unless and only to the extent that it converts this
 Note into Common Stock. The Borrower shall provide the Lender with prior notification of
 any meeting of the Borrower's shareholders (and copies of proxy materials and other
 information sent to shareholders).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Note to be executed and delivered as of the day and year and at the place first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. | CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. | Keystone Capital Partners, LLC | Keystone Capital Partners, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Andrew Kucharchuk | By: | /s/ Fredric Zaino |
| Name: | Andrew Kucharchuk | Name: | Fredric Zaino |
| Title: | CFO | Title: | CIO |

---

SCHEDULE I TO NOTE

Borrower: CERO Therapeutics Date of Note: Original Note February 9, 2026

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Tranche Amount** | **Funding Date** | **Purchase Price** | **Principal Face Value** |
| $750000 | 2/9/26 | $750000 | $937500 |

---

Exhibit B

Form of Conversion Notice

To: [______________]

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert [____________] of the principal amount of the Convertible Note into shares of Common Stock of [______________] according to the conditions stated therein, as of the Conversion Date written below.

Conversion Date:

Applicable Conversion Price:

Number of Common Stock to be Issued:

Amount of Note Remaining:

The above referenced shares shall not bear any legend restricting transfer and should be immediately sent to [_____________________] via DWC (Broker DTC Participant number: [_] Account Number [________]).

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Issue to: | [__________________________] |
|  | [__________________________] |
|  | [_______] |
|  | [__________________________] |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [_______________________________] | [_______________________________] |
| By: | [__________________________] |
|  | Manager |
| By: |  |
| Name: |  |
| Title: |  |

---

## Exhibit 16.1

**Exhibit 16.1**

February 13, 2026

Securities and Exchange Commission

Office of Chief Accountant

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20549

Re: CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.

File No. 001-40877

Dear Sir or Madam:

We have read CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.'s statements included under Item 4.01(a) of its Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2026 and we agree with such statements concerning our Firm.

We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements made by the Company in the Form 8-K.

 

Very truly yours,

 

*/s/ Wolf & Company, P.C.*