Aclarion, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACON, ACONW), a commercial-stage healthcare technology company focused on chronic low back pain, announced on Wednesday that its compensation committee granted an inducement stock option to Daniel Keefe, the company's recently-hired Commercial Director for the Western U.S. The grant, made on May 5, 2026, is intended as an inducement material to Keefe's employment with Aclarion and was approved in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
The option covers 17,000 shares of Aclarion's common stock at an exercise price of $3.20 per share, equal to the closing price on the grant date. One-fourth of the options vest on the one-year anniversary of the vesting commencement date, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the next three years, contingent on Keefe's continued service. The option has a 10-year term and is subject to an inducement stock option agreement.
The expansion of the commercial team comes as Aclarion reports triple-digit growth in utilization of its Nociscan platform, which uses biomarkers and proprietary augmented intelligence algorithms to help physicians identify the location of chronic low back pain. The company's SaaS platform noninvasively analyzes magnetic resonance spectroscopy data from MRI machines to distinguish between painful and nonpainful discs in the lumbar spine, providing critical insights for optimizing treatment strategies.
This strategic hire underscores the increasing demand for Nociscan as Aclarion strengthens its commercial presence in the Western U.S. The company believes that with a growing commercial team, it can better support physicians and patients in addressing chronic low back pain, a condition that affects millions and often leads to costly and ineffective treatments. By enhancing its sales force, Aclarion aims to capitalize on the momentum from rising utilization rates and expand its market reach.
Forward-looking statements in the announcement highlight the company's expectations for continued growth in demand for Nociscan, though actual results may vary due to risks detailed in Aclarion's SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. The company undertakes no obligation to update these projections.
For more information about Aclarion and Nociscan, visit www.aclarion.com. The latest news and updates relating to $ACON are available in the company's newsroom at https://tinyurl.com/aconnewsroom.
