Pliant Therapeutics expands board, adds two independent directors

Pliant Therapeutics disclosed in an 8-K filing that on July 9, 2026, its board of directors increased the authorized size of the board from seven to nine members, and, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, appointed Robert Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E.¹ to one of the new seats, along with Flavia Borellini, Ph.D., with Iannone joining as a Class I director and Borellini as a Class II director, both filling newly created board vacancies.¹

The board also gave both new directors committee roles. Iannone was appointed to the Research and Development Committee, while Borellini was named chairperson of that committee, both on the Nominating and Governance Committee's recommendation.¹

The filing states that neither appointment involved any side arrangement. Pliant said no arrangements or understandings exist between either director and any other person related to their appointment.¹ The company also confirmed both meet listing standards: the board found both directors independent and qualified to serve under SEC rules and Nasdaq listing standards.¹ No related-party transactions requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K were identified for either director.¹

Compensation terms follow the company's standard non-employee director program described in its April 22, 2026 proxy statement. Both directors will receive an annual retainer of $40,000 starting on the effective date, prorated for partial service.¹ Iannone will additionally receive $7,500 annually for his committee role, and Borellini will receive $15,000 annually as committee chair, both prorated.¹ Each director also received an option for 60,000 shares of common stock, vesting monthly over three years subject to continued board service.¹ Pliant also entered into its standard indemnification agreement with each new director.¹