CEO‑Level Buy‑Back: Omeros Chairman Greg Demopulos Buys 400,000 Shares, Betting on Breakthrough Pipeline and Share Rally

Insider Buying Spurs Investor Interest in Omeros

On February 18, 2026, Chairman and CEO Gregory A. Demopulos purchased 400,000 shares of Omeros at $10.27 per share, boosting his holdings to 1.83 million shares. The deal comes at a time when the company’s share price has already rebounded from a 52‑week low of $2.95 to $12.01, a 2.99% gain for the week and a 38.71% year‑to‑date rise. The buy is notable because it follows a period of significant option exercise activity—Demopulos sold 357,678 shares that were withheld to satisfy the exercise price and related taxes, and also sold 400,000 option shares on the same day—suggesting a strategic shift from option holdings to outright ownership.

What the Move Signals for Investors

A CEO‑level purchase of this magnitude typically signals confidence in the company’s short‑term prospects. It coincides with a recent positive clinical milestone: a primate study confirming efficacy for the OncotoX‑AML program, the latest update on Omeros’ oncology pipeline. The stock’s recent technical improvement—up 2.99% in the last week and above its 52‑week low—combined with the CEO’s buying, could help lift sentiment in a market that remains skeptical due to a negative P/E of –5.82 and ongoing unprofitability. For investors, the transaction may act as a catalyst, prompting a reassessment of the company’s valuation relative to its pipeline potential, especially as the company continues to develop products across orthopedics, rheumatology and cardiovascular segments.

Demopulos’ Transaction Pattern: A Profile

Demopulos has a long history of disciplined insider activity. Over the past 18 months he has alternated between buying and selling common stock, often in blocks of 300,000–600,000 shares, and has consistently exercised large option grants (e.g., 865,000 shares in June 2025). His most recent pattern—selling option shares and buying common stock—suggests a transition from leveraged exposure to a more direct equity stake. His holdings also include trust‑held shares for his children, indicating a long‑term commitment to the company. Historically, his transactions have been priced near market levels (often $0.00 in the filings due to the nature of the options), but the latest purchase at $10.27 is below the current market price of $12.01, underscoring a potential undervaluation view.

Implications for Omeros’ Future

If Demopulos’ buying reflects a genuine belief in the company’s upcoming milestones—such as the OncotoX‑AML data and the expansion of its orthopedics and pain‑management portfolios—the stock could benefit from a positive momentum. The CEO’s stake also aligns his interests with shareholders, potentially improving governance perception. However, investors should remain cautious: the company remains unprofitable, and its P/E and P/B ratios indicate a discount that may persist until the next commercial launch or regulatory approval. Moreover, the CEO’s option activity suggests he remains willing to use leveraged instruments if market conditions tighten.

Conclusion

The February 18 buy by Gregory Demopulos, set against a backdrop of positive clinical news and a modest week‑long rally, injects fresh optimism into Omeros. While the company’s financials still signal challenges, the insider’s confidence—demonstrated through a sizable share acquisition—provides a signal to investors that the leadership sees a turning point on the horizon. For those watching the biopharma sector, Demopulos’ actions warrant attention as they may precede a broader shift in market sentiment toward Omeros’ pipeline and commercial prospects.