Insider Trading February 17, 2026

Ocular Therapeutix Strategy Chief Sells $93.5K in Stock as Company Advances AXPAXLI Program

Sanctioned sale to cover RSU tax withholding comes amid share weakness, Phase 3 success and leadership shifts

By Sofia Navarro OCUL
Ocular Therapeutix Strategy Chief Sells $93.5K in Stock as Company Advances AXPAXLI Program
OCUL

Ocular Therapeutix Chief Strategy Officer Sanjay Nayak sold 10,348 shares of common stock on February 12, 2026, in a filing that shows the transaction was executed to satisfy tax withholding tied to vested restricted stock units. The sale, executed at a weighted average price of $9.04 for a total of $93,545, comes as the company reported positive Phase 3 results for its investigational wet age-related macular degeneration treatment, AXPAXLI. Despite the clinical milestone and upbeat analyst price targets, OCUL shares have weakened and trade below InvestingPro's Fair Value estimate.

Key Points

  • Sanjay Nayak sold 10,348 shares on February 12, 2026 at a weighted average price of $9.04, yielding $93,545; prices ranged from $8.9950 to $9.0873.
  • The sale was made to cover tax withholding from vested restricted stock units; Nayak continues to hold 332,412 shares.
  • AXPAXLI met the primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial with 74.1% of patients maintaining vision at Week 36 versus 55.8% for aflibercept; the company is advancing its New Drug Application timeline.

Ocular Therapeutix (NASDAQ:OCUL) reported an insider sale by its Chief Strategy Officer, Sanjay Nayak, who disposed of 10,348 shares of common stock on February 12, 2026, according to a Form 4 submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing records a weighted average sale price of $9.04 per share, producing gross proceeds of $93,545. Transaction prices ranged from $8.9950 to $9.0873.

Following the sale, Nayak retains direct ownership of 332,412 shares of Ocular Therapeutix. The Form 4 specifies that the disposition was made to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of restricted stock units.

The insider transaction coincides with pronounced share price weakness. Since the February 12 trade, OCUL shares have fallen to $6.99, a drop of 23% over the past week. InvestingPro data cited in company filings indicates the stock is currently trading below its Fair Value estimate.


Financial position and analyst outlook

Ocular Therapeutix's publicly stated balance-sheet metrics show more cash than debt and a current ratio of 15.39, a liquidity profile highlighted in recent reports. The company remains unprofitable on a trailing twelve-month basis, with an EPS of -$1.42.

Analysts covering the stock continue to express optimism despite the pullback in the share price. The consensus rating is reported as strong buy, with price targets ranging from $20 to $34 per share. RBC Capital, specifically, has reiterated an Outperform rating and maintained a $30.00 price target while noting the shares have declined year-to-date.


Clinical and leadership developments

On the clinical front, Ocular Therapeutix disclosed that its investigational therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration, AXPAXLI, met the primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial. Trial results showed that 74.1% of patients maintained vision at Week 36, compared with a 55.8% maintenance rate for aflibercept, the current standard of care. The company described the difference as a statistically significant improvement in vision maintenance for patients.

Corporate leadership changes were also announced alongside the clinical update. Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Donald Notman has taken a temporary medical leave, with Jason Robins appointed as interim CFO. The company also named David W. Robinson as Global Chief Commercial Officer to prepare for a potential AXPAXLI launch; Robinson's background includes a pivotal role in the launch of EYLEA at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Ocular Therapeutix said these developments accompany an advancing New Drug Application timeline for AXPAXLI.


Research coverage and resources

InvestingPro notes that it provides a comprehensive research report on Ocular Therapeutix, which is one of more than 1,400 U.S. equities covered with in-depth analysis and actionable insights. The InvestingPro summary referenced in filings reiterates that the stock is trading below its Fair Value.

The Form 4 filing and the company announcements together provide a snapshot of insider liquidity needs, clinical progress, analyst expectations and near-term executive transitions. The sale by Nayak was narrowly described as tax-driven in the filing; the broader corporate developments remain focused on the clinical success of AXPAXLI and preparation for possible commercialization.

Risks

  • OCUL shares have fallen to $6.99, a 23% drop over the past week, and are trading below InvestingPro's Fair Value estimate - market risk for shareholders and investors.
  • The company remains unprofitable with a trailing twelve-month EPS of -$1.42 - operational and profitability risk for the healthcare and biotech sectors.
  • Temporary absence of the CFO and COO, with an interim appointment in place, introduces short-term leadership uncertainty during a critical regulatory and potential commercialization period.

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