Valion Bio, Inc. filed a Form 8-K on November 2, 2026, disclosing the termination of General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs Melinda Lackey, effective October 30, 2026, along with a separation agreement and a separate announcement concerning its drug candidate Entolimod.

Key Highlights

  • Termination notice: Valion Bio notified Melinda Lackey of her employment termination on October 27, 2026, with an effective date of October 30, 2026.
  • Separation payment: The company agreed to pay Ms. Lackey a gross cash severance of $26,750, less applicable taxes and withholdings, in a single lump-sum no later than 30 days following the effective date of the Separation Agreement.
  • COBRA coverage: The company agreed to pay applicable COBRA premiums for Ms. Lackey and her covered dependents until the earlier of November 30, 2026 or the date she becomes eligible for coverage under a subsequent employer's health plan.
  • Equity forfeiture: Ms. Lackey agreed to forfeit any unvested equity awards and may exercise any vested stock options only in accordance with applicable equity plan documents.
  • General release: The Separation Agreement includes a general release of claims by Ms. Lackey in favor of the company and certain related parties, with customary confidentiality, non-disparagement, cooperation, and return-of-property obligations.
  • Entolimod announcement: On October 30, 2026, the company announced the evaluation of its lead biologic drug candidate, Entolimod, by the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in connection with research relating to gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome in a therapeutic efficacy study.

Lackey Separation Terms and Entolimod Research Announcement at Valion Bio

According to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC by Valion Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:VBIO) on November 2, 2026, the company notified Melinda Lackey, its General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs, of the termination of her employment on October 27, 2026. The termination became effective October 30, 2026. On October 31, 2026, the company entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release with Ms. Lackey.

Under the terms of the Separation Agreement, and subject to Ms. Lackey's compliance with its conditions, Valion Bio agreed to pay a gross cash severance of $26,750, less applicable taxes and withholdings, as a single lump-sum payment no later than 30 days following the effective date of the agreement. The company also agreed to cover COBRA premiums for Ms. Lackey and her covered dependents through the earlier of November 30, 2026 or the date she obtains healthcare coverage through a subsequent employer. The filing noted that Ms. Lackey agreed to forfeit any unvested equity awards and that any vested stock options may be exercised only in accordance with the applicable equity plan documents.

Separately, the filing disclosed that on October 30, 2026, Valion Bio announced the evaluation of its lead biologic drug candidate, Entolimod, by the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute. According to the filing, this evaluation is connected to research relating to gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome in a therapeutic efficacy study. A press release dated October 30, 2026 was attached to the filing as Exhibit 99.1. The filing was signed by Dean Zikria, Interim Chief Executive Officer, on behalf of the registrant.

What Was Disclosed

Valion Bio's Form 8-K reported the termination of General Counsel Melinda Lackey, the terms of her separation agreement including a $26,750 gross cash severance and COBRA premium coverage, and a separate announcement regarding the evaluation of Entolimod by the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute.