---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001193125-26-202504"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "APLS"
cik: "0001492422"
company_name: "Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc."
filed_at: "2026-05-04T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-14T23:52:37.303470+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.3
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.3
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Apellis amends executive severance plan to accelerate vesting upon change of control in Biogen merger

## Summary
- Compensation committee approved amendment to Executive Separation Benefits Plan on April 28, 2026, in connection with Biogen merger.
- Unvested converted options and RSU awards will accelerate upon termination without cause or for good reason after closing.
- 'Good Reason' definition modified for C-Level Officers to include changes in scope due to becoming a subsidiary.
- Amendment effective upon closing of the merger; applies to each named executive officer.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001193125-26-202504
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: APLS
- cik: 0001492422
- company_name: Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- filed_at: 2026-05-04T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.3
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.3
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1492422/000119312526202504/0001193125-26-202504-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1492422/000119312526202504/d147392d8k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-202504
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-202504.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-202504.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.