UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
____________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act Of 1934
December 12, 2013
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
___________________________________________________________
ACURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
___________________________________________________________
| State of New York | 1-10113 | 11-0853640 | ||
| (State of Other Jurisdiction | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer | ||
| of Incorporation) | Identification Number) |
616 N. North Court, Suite 120
Palatine, Illinois 60067
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(847) 705-7709
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| ¨ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17CFR240.14d-2(b)) |
| ¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17CFR 240.13e- 4(c)) |
| Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; |
Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
(e)
On December 12, 2013 we awarded cash bonuses to, and effective January 1, 2014, increased the annual salaries of, the named executive officers listed below, in the amounts provided:
| Name | Title | Annual Salary | Bonus Award |
| Robert B. Jones | President and Chief Executive Officer |
$390,000 (increased from $383,000) |
$126,400 |
| Peter A. Clemens | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
$280,000 (increased from $219,000) |
$72,300 |
| Albert W. Brzeczko | Vice President, Technical Affairs of Acura Pharmaceutical Technologies, Inc. |
$285,000 (increased from $282,000) |
$50,800 |
| Robert A. Seiser | Vice President, Controller and Treasurer |
$172,000 (increased from $170,000) |
$30,600 |
| James F. Emigh | Vice President, Corporate Development |
$172,00 (increased from $170,000) |
$18,100 |
On December 12, 2013, we and Peter A. Clemens, our Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to his employment agreement dated March 10, 1998, as amended. Under the Amendment, Mr. Clemens’ base salary was increased to $280,000 from $219,000 but the maximum annual bonus for which he is eligible was reduced from 100% percent of base salary to 70% of base salary.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| ACURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Peter A. Clemens | |
| Peter A. Clemens | ||
| Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | ||
Date: December 12, 2013