Day One Biopharma’s Executives Ramp Up Shares: CCO Buys 19k RSUs, CEO and COO Add Over 600k Shares in Quiet Surge【2†source】

Insider Activity Spotlight: Day One Biopharmaceuticals Inc.

Fresh RSU Buys Amid a Quiet Period On February 15, 2026, Chief Commercial Officer Merendino Lauren executed a series of restricted‑stock‑unit (RSU) purchases totaling 18,962 shares, boosting her holdings to 65,971 shares. These transactions were made at no cash consideration, reflecting the vesting of previously granted RSUs rather than new equity purchases. The move coincides with a modest 2.94 % weekly rise in the stock, suggesting that insiders remain confident in the company’s long‑term trajectory despite recent volatility.

Patterns in Merendino’s Deal Flow Historically, Lauren has alternated between large option grants and RSU vestings. In late January 2026, she exercised a 110 k‑share stock‑option exercise and added 74 k RSUs, while in November 2025 she sold 330 k option shares and later repurchased 90 k shares twice. Her recent activity—buying RSUs and selling a block of 5,814 shares for $11.60 each in mid‑February—indicates a typical “vest‑sell‑re‑vest” cycle. The timing of the sale, aligned with tax‑payment requirements, signals routine tax‑planning rather than a signal of impending liquidity needs.

Comparing with Company‑Wide Insider Moves Other insiders have been more aggressive. CEO Jeremy Bender amassed 355 k option shares and 237 k RSUs on January 30, 2026, and sold 15 k shares in a block trade at $11.60 on February 17. COO Charles York purchased 26 k shares in February, while legal counsel Adam Dubow added 74 k shares and sold 6 k shares in block trades. Merendino’s activity sits comfortably within the broader pattern of executive ownership increases, underscoring a shared confidence in the company’s growth prospects.

Implications for Investors The net effect of these transactions is an overall increase in insider ownership—over 1.6 % of the outstanding shares are now held by top executives. While the recent sale of 5,814 shares may slightly dampen short‑term liquidity, it is part of routine tax management. The consistent accumulation of RSUs and options suggests insiders expect future upside, which can reassure investors. However, the company’s negative P/E ratio and volatile share price highlight that gains are still contingent on clinical milestones and regulatory approvals.

Bottom Line Merendino Lauren’s recent RSU purchases and a modest block‑sale align with standard insider practices in a biotech firm navigating a development cycle. For investors, the continued build‑up of equity among executives signals confidence, while the broader insider activity indicates an overall bullish stance. Monitoring future option exercises and RSU vestings—especially around key trial milestones—will be essential for gauging long‑term value creation.