Mitchell Lawrence Jones, who serves as Chief Medical Officer at Palisade Bio, INC. (NASDAQ: PALI), executed a sale of 1,989 shares of common stock at $1.75 per share on February 12, 2026, yielding proceeds of $3480. The trade took place while PALI shares were trading near $1.73, in a security that InvestingPro data notes has displayed notable price volatility.
The sale was disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and was conducted to meet tax-withholding obligations tied to the vesting and settlement of Restricted Stock Units - RSUs. The filing specifies the purpose of the disposition as covering the related tax liability.
Complementing that transaction, Jones acquired 8,000 shares of common stock on February 11, 2026, through the settlement of RSUs that were originally granted on February 11, 2025. After completing the sale and the RSU settlement, Jones's direct ownership in Palisade Bio stands at 13,263 shares. That total includes 3,400 shares purchased under the Issuer's Employee Stock Purchase Plan on November 20, 2025.
Company and market context
Palisade Bio is reported to have an approximate market capitalization of $261 million. Over the last 12 months the company's stock has returned 66%, though it is down about 26% year-to-date. Analysts covering the equity are characterized in the available data as maintaining a strong buy consensus, with issued price targets that span from $6 to $25.
According to InvestingPro analysis referenced in the filing, the company is trading above its Fair Value. The company also has an earnings date listed as March 24. The InvestingPro service additionally mentions that subscribers can access 10 additional ProTips and a broader set of financial metrics, reflecting deeper paid analytical content.
Recent corporate developments affecting the lead program
Palisade Bio has reported several corporate developments tied to its lead drug candidate, PALI-2108. The company received a strategic equity investment of up to $500,000 from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation to support clinical development of PALI-2108. The drug is described as a gut-microbiota-activated PDE4 inhibitor being developed for fibrostenotic Crohn's disease and for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
In addition to the strategic funding, Palisade Bio secured patent approval in Japan for PALI-2108, which provides protection until 2041, with the possibility of extension subject to regulatory reviews. The company has also appointed two inflammatory bowel disease experts to its Clinical Advisory Board as it prepares to advance PALI-2108 toward Phase 2 development.
On the research coverage front, B.Riley initiated coverage on Palisade Bio with a Buy rating and a price target of $7.00, while Clear Street also began coverage with a Buy rating and a $12.00 price target. Both firms highlighted the early clinical data for PALI-2108 as a reason for their positive ratings.
Summary and investor considerations
The transactions by the company's Chief Medical Officer reflect standard tax-related share sales tied to RSU settlements rather than discretionary cash-raising disposals. Jones's net direct ownership after the February transactions is 13,263 shares, which includes shares acquired through an employee purchase plan and recently vested RSUs.
At the corporate level, Palisade Bio has advanced a mix of clinical, intellectual property and funding milestones for PALI-2108 while analyst coverage from multiple firms remains favorable. The company is scheduled to report earnings on March 24.
Key points
- CMO Mitchell Lawrence Jones sold 1,989 shares at $1.75 on February 12, 2026, to cover RSU tax-withholding, following a PSR settlement on February 11, 2026.
- Jones acquired 8,000 shares via settlement of vested RSUs and now directly owns 13,263 shares, including 3,400 shares from an ESPP purchase on November 20, 2025.
- Palisade Bio has secured up to $500,000 in strategic equity support from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, a Japan patent for PALI-2108 through 2041, and has begun generating Buy coverage from multiple analysts.
Risks and uncertainties
- Price volatility - InvestingPro data notes significant share-price volatility for PALI, which can affect short-term market performance and investor returns.
- Valuation - InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is trading above its Fair Value, which may present valuation risk for prospective investors.
- Development timeline - PALI-2108 remains in clinical development and advancement toward Phase 2 introduces execution and regulatory uncertainties that can influence company prospects and market value.
Investors interested in Palisade Bio should consider the intersection of insider activity, the company's clinical and intellectual property developments, and current market valuation in their evaluation process.