DEF 14A 1 ny20007569x1_def14a.htm DEF 14A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:

☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒ | Definitive Proxy Statement

☐ | Definitive Additional Materials

☐ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-ll (c) or Rule 14a-12

MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
☒ | ​ | ​ | No fee required.
☐ | ​ | ​ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
☐ | ​ | ​ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.
444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONVENE IN VIRTUAL MEETING FORMAT THE ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 25, 2023
To the Shareholders of MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.:
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting (“Annual Meeting”) of Shareholders of MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on May 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time (CT). The board of directors has determined to convene and conduct the Annual Meeting on May 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, in a virtual meeting format at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MAIA2023. Shareholders will NOT be able to attend the Annual Meeting in-person. The accompanying Proxy Statement includes instruction on how to access the virtual Annual Meeting and how to listen, vote, and submit questions from home or any remote location with Internet connectivity. At the Annual Meeting, we will consider and vote upon the following items:

1 | To elect Louie Ngar Yee and Steven Chaouki to our board of directors as Class I directors of the Company;

2 | To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023;

3. | To approve an amendment to the MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan” ) to include an automatic increase in the aggregate number of shares reserved for awards under the 2021 Plan, commencing on the date of shareholder approval of the amendment, and then each January 1 following thereafter, and ending on (and including) January 1, 2032 (each an “Increase Date”), in an amount equal to ten (10%) of the total number of shares of common stock on a fully diluted basis outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year; provided that, the Board may act prior to any Increase Date to provide that there will be no increase for such year or that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares than provided in the 2021 Plan; and

4. | To consider such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.

Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 30, 2023, the record date, are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote on-line at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.
You are cordially invited to participate in the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you expect to participate in the Annual Meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy or submit your proxy through the internet or by telephone as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting. If you have requested physical materials to be mailed to you, then a return envelope (which is postage prepaid if mailed in the United States) is enclosed for your convenience if you choose to submit your proxy by mail. Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote online if you attend the virtual Annual Meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other agent and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date may vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. This notice is being sent to all shareholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on or about April 19, 2023.

| ​ | ​ | BY ORDER OF THE BOARD,
| ​ | ​ | /s/ Vlad Vitoc
| ​ | ​ | Vlad Vitoc
| ​ | ​ | Chairman of the Board
Chicago, Illinois | ​ | ​ |

April 19, 2023

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 25, 2023
This Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 are available at https://ir.maiabiotech.com/sec-filings/all-sec-filings.

MAIA BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC.
444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700
Chicago, Illinois 60606
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement sets forth information relating to the solicitation of proxies by the board of directors of MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (the “Company”) in connection with the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of shareholders or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting will take place on May 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., Central Time in a virtual meeting format.
This proxy statement and form of proxy will be sent on or about 19, 2023, to our shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 30, 2023, the record date.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT OUR ANNUAL MEETING
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
Our 2023 Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

1 | To elect Louie Ngar Yee and Steven Chaouki to our board of directors as Class I directors of the Company (Proposal 1);

2 | To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023 (Proposal 2);

3. | To approve an amendment to the MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan” ) to include an automatic increase in the aggregate number of shares reserved for awards under the 2021 Plan, commencing on the date of shareholder approval of the amendment, and then each January 1 following thereafter, and ending on (and including) January 1, 2032 (each an “Increase Date”), in an amount equal to ten (10%) of the total number of shares of common stock on a fully diluted basis outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year; provided that, the Board may act prior to any Increase Date to provide that there will be no increase for such year or that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares than provided in the 2021 Plan ( “Proposal 3”)

4. | To consider such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.

Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?
You can vote at the Annual Meeting if, as of the close of business on March 30, 2023, the record date, you were a holder of record of the Company’s Common Stock. As of the record date, there were issued and outstanding 10,996,404 shares of Common Stock, each of which is entitled to one vote on each matter to come before the Annual Meeting.
How many shares must be present to conduct business at the Annual Meeting?
A quorum is necessary to hold a valid meeting of shareholders. For each of the proposals to be presented at the Annual Meeting, the holders of shares of our Common Stock outstanding on March 30, 2023, the record date, representing 5,498,203 votes must be present at the Annual Meeting, virtually or by proxy. If you vote including by Internet, or proxy card your shares voted will be counted towards the quorum for the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for the purpose of determining a quorum.
How may I participate in the virtual Annual Meeting?
To participate in the virtual Annual Meeting, go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MAIA2023 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time on May 25, 2023, and enter the control number found on your proxy card you previously received.
How do I vote?
If you are a shareholder of record as of March 30, 2023, the record date for the Annual Meeting, you may vote during the virtual Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MAIA2023 and following the on screen instructions (have your proxy card available when you access the webpage).
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You may also vote by proxy via telephone by calling Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Toll Free: 1-800-690-6903. We have retained Broadridge to assist in the distribution of proxy materials.
If you have any questions or need assistance in voting your proxy, please contact MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. 444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attn.: Chief Financial Officer or by contacting our CFO by telephone at (312) 416-8592.
If your shares are held in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, in order to vote during the virtual Annual Meeting please contact your bank, broker or other nominee and register with Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. as described above in order for you to participate in the virtual Annual Meeting. You then may vote by following the instructions provided to you by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
Whether or not you expect to participate in the virtual Annual Meeting, the board of directors urges shareholders to submit a proxy to vote your shares in advance of the meeting by (a) visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MAIA2023 and following the on screen instructions (have your proxy card available when you access the webpage), or (b) submitting your proxy card by mail by using the previously provided self-addressed, stamped envelope. Submitting a proxy will not prevent you from revoking a previously submitted proxy or changing your vote as described above, but it will help to secure a quorum and avoid added solicitation costs.
Will my shares be voted if I do not provide voting instructions?
If you are a shareholder of record and you properly sign, date and return a proxy card, but do not indicate how you wish to vote with respect to a particular nominee or proposal, then your shares will be voted FOR the election of the two Class I director nominees for director named in “Proposal 1 Election of Directors,” FOR “Proposal 2 Ratification of the Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023”,and “FOR” Proposal 3- Amendment of 2021 Plan”.
Under the rules of NYSE American, LLC (“NYSE American”), brokerage firms have the authority to vote shares held for a beneficial owner on “routine” matters. Accordingly, if your shares are held of record by a brokerage firm and you do not provide the firm specific voting instructions, that firm will have the authority to vote your shares with respect to the “Proposal 2 Ratification of the Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the year ending December 31, 2023,” but your shares will not be voted and will be considered broker non-votes with respect to Proposal 1 and Proposal 3. We urge you to provide voting instructions so that your shares will be voted.
Can I change my vote after I have voted?
Subject to any rules and deadlines your broker, trustee or nominee may have, you may change your proxy instructions or revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the Annual Meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy by (1) delivering to the Company’s Corporate Secretary, prior to your shares being voted at the Annual Meeting, a written notice of revocation dated later than the prior proxy card relating to the same shares, (2) delivering a valid, later-dated proxy in a timely manner, (3) attending the Annual Meeting and voting electronically (although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy), or (4) voting again via Internet at a later date.
If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you may change your vote (1) by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, trustee or other nominee, or (2) if you have obtained a legal proxy from the broker, trustee or other nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares and provided a copy to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. together with your email address by attending the Annual Meeting and voting electronically.
Any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy card must be received by the Company’s Corporate Secretary prior to the taking of the vote at the Annual Meeting.
What is the deadline to vote?
If you hold shares as the shareholder of record, your vote by proxy must be received before the polls close at the Annual Meeting. If you are the beneficial owner of shares, please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, trustee or other nominee.
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What vote is required to elect directors or take other action at the Annual Meeting?

• | Proposal 1: Election of Louie Ngar Yee and Steven Chaouki to our board of directors as Class I directors of the Company. The election of Louie Ngar Yee and Steven Chaouki as Class I director nominees requires the affirmative vote of shares of Common Stock representing a plurality of the votes of the holders of the shares present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote generally on the election of directors. This means that the two Class I director nominees will be elected if they receive more affirmative votes than any other person. You may not cumulate your votes for the election of directors. Brokers may not use discretionary authority to vote shares on the election of directors if they have not received specific instructions from their clients. For your vote to be counted in the election of directors, you will need to communicate your voting decisions to your bank, broker or other nominee before the date of the Annual Meeting in accordance with their specific instructions. For purposes of this proposal, abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will not be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

• | Proposal 2: Ratification of the Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the year ending December 31, 2023. Ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting on such matter. For purposes of this proposal, withholds and broker non-votes, if any, will not be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

• | Proposal 3: Approval of the Amendment of the 2021 Plan to include an automatic increase in the aggregate number of shares reserved for awards under the 2021 Plan, commencing on the date of shareholder approval of the amendment, and then each January 1 following thereafter, and ending on (and including) January 1, 2032 (each an “Increase Date”), in an amount equal to ten (10%) of the total number of shares of common stock on a fully diluted basis outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year; provided that, the Board may act prior to any Increase Date to provide that there will be no increase for such year or that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares than provided in the 2021 Plan. Approval of Proposal 3 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting on such matter. For purposes of this proposal, abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will not be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

• | In general, other business properly brought before the Annual Meeting requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting.

Why is the Company seeking shareholder approval with respect to the amendment of the 2021 Plan?
Because our common stock is listed on the NYSE American, we are subject to the rules set forth in the NYSE American Company Guide. Section 711 of the NYSE American Company Guide requires (subject to certain exceptions) shareholder approval to be obtained if a listed company establishes or materially amends a stock option or purchase plan or other equity compensation arrangement pursuant to which options or stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees, or consultants, regardless of whether or not such authorization is required by law or by the company’s charter.
What will happen if shareholder approval is not obtained with respect to the amendment of the 2021 Plan?
If shareholder approval is not obtained with respect to the amendment of the 2021 Plan Amendment, the Company may not issue more than 1,909,518 shares of common stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2021 Plan. As of 17, 2023, the Company had issued awards with respect to 1,310,392 shares of common stock under the 2021 Plan. The Company believes that its ability to issue additional awards under the 2021 Plan will help the Company attract, motivate and retain qualified officers, directors and employees.
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How does the Board recommend that I vote?
Our Board recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” each director nominee named in this proxy statement, “FOR” ratification of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and “FOR” amendment of the 2021 Plan to include an automatic increase in the aggregate number of shares reserved for awards under the 2021 Plan, commencing on the date of shareholder approval of the amendment, and then each January 1 following thereafter, and ending on (and including) January 1, 2032 (each an “Increase Date”), in an amount equal to ten (10%) of the total number of shares of common stock on a fully diluted basis outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year; provided that, the Board may act prior to any Increase Date to provide that there will be no increase for such year or that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares than provided in the 2021 Plan.
How will the persons named as proxies vote?
If you complete and submit a proxy, the persons named as proxies will follow your instructions. If you submit a proxy but do not provide instructions, or if your instructions are unclear, the persons named as proxies will vote as recommended by our board of directors or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.
Where can I find the results of the voting?
We intend to announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and will publish final results through a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within four business days after the Annual Meeting. The Current Report on Form 8-K will be available on the Internet at our website, https://ir.maiabiotech.com/sec-filings/all-sec-filings.
How can I attend the Annual Meeting?
If you are a shareholder of record, you must use your control number included on your notice, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials, to enter the Annual Meeting. If you are not a shareholder of record but hold shares as a beneficial owner in street name, you may be required to provide proof of beneficial ownership, such as your most recent account statement as of the record date, a copy of the voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank, trustee, or nominee, or other similar evidence of ownership. If you do not comply with the procedures outlined above, you will not be admitted to the virtual Annual Meeting.
Who will pay for the cost of soliciting proxies?
The Company has not engaged a proxy solicitor in connection with the Annual Meeting, and accordingly, will not incur any costs in connection with a proxy solicitor.
What is “householding” and how does it affect me?
In accordance with notices to many shareholders who hold their shares through a bank, broker or other holder of record (a “street-name shareholder”) and share a single address, only one copy of our proxy statement and included periodic reports to shareholders is being delivered to that address unless contrary instructions from any shareholder at that address were received. This practice, known as “householding,” is intended to reduce our printing and postage costs. However, any such street-name shareholder residing at the same address who wishes to receive a separate copy of this proxy statement and annual report may request a copy by contacting the bank, broker or other holder of record, or by sending a written request to: MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. 444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attn.: Chief Financial Officer or by contacting our CFO by telephone at (312) 416-8592. The voting instruction form sent to a street-name shareholder should provide information on how to request (1) householding of future Company materials or (2) separate materials if only one set of documents is being sent to a household. A shareholder who would like to make one of these requests should contact us as indicated above.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table provides information regarding our executive officers and directors as of the date of this proxy statement:

​ | Name | ​ | ​ | Age | ​ | ​ | Position | ​
​ | Executive Officers | ​
​ | Vlad Vitoc | ​ | ​ | 53 | ​ | ​ | Co-Founder President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors | ​
​ | Sergei M. Gryaznov | ​ | ​ | 63 | ​ | ​ | Chief Scientific Officer | ​
​ | Mihail Obrocea | ​ | ​ | 64 | ​ | ​ | Chief Medical Officer | ​
​ | Joseph F. McGuire | ​ | ​ | 64 | ​ | ​ | Chief Financial Officer | ​
​ | Board of Directors (Non-Employee) | ​
​ | Steven Chaouki | ​ | ​ | 50 | ​ | ​ | Director | ​
​ | Ramiro Guerrero | ​ | ​ | 58 | ​ | ​ | Director | ​
​ | Louie Ngar Yee | ​ | ​ | 56 | ​ | ​ | Director | ​
​ | Cristian Luput | ​ | ​ | 48 | ​ | ​ | Director | ​
​ | Stan V. Smith | ​ | ​ | 76 | ​ | ​ | Director | ​
​ | Jean-Manassé Theagène | ​ | ​ | 56 | ​ | ​ | Director | ​

Our Leadership Team
We have assembled a team with deep research, development and commercialization experience in the areas of telomere related science, immunotherapy, and across a vast array of oncology indications. Members of our team bring experience from multiple biotech and pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer Inc., Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Astellas Pharma Inc., Janssen - a Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company, Incyte Corporation, Pharmacyclics Inc., Juno Therapeutics Inc., Cephalon Inc., Geron Corporation, Agouron Pharmaceuticals (a Pfizer Company), Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc., among others.
Executive Officers
Vlad Vitoc, M.D., MBA
Dr. Vitoc is our Chairman of Board, Chief Executive Officer and President. Dr. Vitoc has a broad array of experience across commercial strategic analysis and planning and medical affairs, in which he has 20 years of experience. During that time, Dr. Vitoc has managed and supported over 20 early, launch, and mature stage compounds, which have included targeted therapies and immune therapies across more than 25 tumor types, including colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, breast cancer prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Vlad received an M.D. from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and his M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina.
We believe Dr. Vitoc is qualified to serve on our board of directors because he is a founder of the Company and he has significant knowledge and experience in the pharmaceutical industry and in the management and support of compounds targeting various types of cancers.
Sergei M. Gryaznov, Ph.D.
Dr. Gryaznov is our Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Gryaznov is an internationally recognized scientist and expert in the areas of modern drug discovery and development, oncology, telomerase, immune-regulatory therapeutics, nucleosides, nucleotides, DNA and RNA analogues, lipid and other conjugates, small molecules and nucleic acid based therapeutic agents. Dr. Gryaznov is the co-inventor of a novel telomere-by-telomerase-targeting therapeutic approach to potential cancer treatment and responsible for leading the research team that characterized THIO’s telomere targeting activity, our lead compound in development. Dr. Gryaznov obtained an M.S., with Honors, in Organic Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemistry of Natural Products from M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. Dr. Gryaznov also completed a post-doctoral fellowship program in Chemistry at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
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Mihail Obrocea, M.D.
Dr. Obrocea is our Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Obrocea is a hematologist/oncologist with over 20 years’ experience in drug development in both academia and the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry with expertise in the development of cell therapy, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and small molecules. Dr. Obrocea’s research has been published in oncology peer-reviewed literature, he has co-authored published books related to cancer vaccines and immunology, and he holds several patents in the field of biotechnology. He received an M.D. degree from the Carol Davila University of Medicine & Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania and completed an internship and residency program in Internal Medicine at Yale University affiliated hospitals in Connecticut followed by a hematology/oncology fellowship training program at Dartmouth Cancer Center and Geisel School of Medicine in Hanover, New Hampshire.
Joseph F. McGuire
Mr. McGuire is our Chief Financial Officer, and he brings over 30 years of experience to MAIA having served as Chief Financial Officer for several privately held and publicly traded companies in the health care, financial services, investment, and manufacturing industries. In these roles, his responsibilities included SEC financial reporting, investor relations, corporate governance, legal and audit liaison, and team building. Most recently, Mr. McGuire was the chief financial officer at Avadim Health, Inc. (“Avadim”) from October 2014 to May 2021. Avadim subsequently filed a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and announced on August 17, 2021, the completion of its court-approved sale of substantially all of its assets to a newly created company and emergence from the reorganization proceedings under Chapter 11. Mr. McGuire began his career with Price Waterhouse, where he was a certified public accountant, and later held management positions with Dean Witter Reynolds and Paine Webber, Inc. Joe received a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Notre Dame.
The collective experience of our leadership team includes involvement in the development, approval and/or commercialization of a number of major oncology drugs, including TARCEVA®, NEXAVAR®, IMBRUVICA®, XTANDI®, NERLYNX®, TREANDA®, TRISENOX®, and ZOMETA®, as well as numerous state-of-the-art development programs, including a telomerase inhibitor (IMETELSTAT®), a new immune oncology platform and agent (Cavrolotimod; AST-008), and novel nucleic acid based siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics (NP/NPS-oligos). In addition, our team was involved in the development and approval of:

• | BREANZY®, an autologous CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR T) treatment for B-cell lymphomas;

• | BESPONSA®, a CD22-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) for treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; and

• | IMBRUVICA®, or bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib, for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphomas.

Non-Employee Directors
Louie Ngar Yee; Director
Ms. Louie has 30 years of service with HSBC Group in a variety of functions, principally with businesses of Global Banking and Markets including investment and securities management, asset management, and global research. She also held key leadership positions within Group Internal Audit of HSBC in Latin America, Asia Pacific, and United Kingdom.
Born and educated in Hong Kong, Ms. Louie joined HSBC as an executive trainee in Hong Kong and became an International Manager of HSBC Group in 1996. Since then, she has taken up different roles in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, primarily in key management positions to lead, drive and execute a change agenda in a wide range of management situations including business re-engineering, business turnaround, business downsizing, and business set up.
Prior to her current appointment with MAIA Biotechnology in April 2020, Ms. Louie was the Group Chief Operating Officer of Group Internal Audit of HSBC Group.
We believe Ms. Louie is qualified to serve on our board of directors because she has extensive finance, compliance, and audit experience and expertise.
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Ramiro Guerrero J.D., LL.M.; Director
Mr. Guerrero is the Founder and CEO of IMPERIO, Inc., a Chicago and Suburban based Real Estate Investment and Brokerage Organization with over 20 years of business experience. He has also been a Venture Capitalist for the past 10 years aiding entrepreneurs and small businesses in their startup ventures. He received his undergraduate B.S. degree in Business/Management from the University of Illinois, his J.D. at the Universidad Metropolitana de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico and an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in International Law from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas and the University of Innsbruck, Austria.
We believe Mr. Guerrero is qualified to serve on our board of directors because he has extensive entrepreneurial start-up experience and expertise.
Cristian Luput; Director
Mr. Luput is the founder and CEO of Optimus Realty Inc, a full-service real estate company specializing in brokering, managing and developing residential properties in Chicago, with over 15 years of extensive expertise in real estate. Mr. Luput has also successfully completed multiple multimillion dollars real estate partnerships, consolidations, mergers and acquisitions.
He is actively involved and serves on the board of directors of several charitable organizations. Mr. Luput is a graduate of Babes-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, in Romania with a major in accounting and Business Administration.
We believe Mr. Luput is qualified to serve on our board of directors because has extensive management and entrepreneurial start-up experience and expertise.
Stan V. Smith Ph.D.; Director
Stan V. Smith, Ph.D., is president of Smith Economics Group, Ltd. in Chicago, providing economic and financial consulting nationwide. Trained at the University of Chicago and specializing in litigation economics, Dr. Smith co-authored the first textbook on the subject of economic damages. Dr. Smith has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago and at DePaul University College of Law where he created the first course in the United States in forensic economics.
We believe Dr. Smith is qualified to serve on our board of directors because has extensive economics, financing, and management experience and expertise.
Jean-Manassé Theagène; Director
Jean-Manassé Théagène founded Montreal-based 360Medlink in November 2010, and has served as Chief Executive Officer since its founding. 360Medlink is a software development company specializing in digital health platforms with a particular focus on scientifically tested solutions that address unmet needs or unique health conditions, and serve special or vulnerable populations. He has over 20 years’ experience in the life sciences industry serving in diverse roles from global strategy, marketing, commercial operations, licensing, and business development. He has globally marketed multiple products, notably with Novartis Oncology and Schering-Plough (Merck). As a serial entrepreneur, Mr. Theagène has been engaged in companion diagnostics, where he launched one of the world’s first non-invasive liver biomarker tests. As CEO of a healthcare technology company, and an early pioneer of Digital Therapeutics (DTx), Mr. Theagène is also a strategic advisor to both private and public agencies in the areas of innovation and healthcare technology. Mr. Theagène holds an MBA from HEC Montreal, a Master of Science degree in Criminology from University of Montreal, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts & Sciences from University of Montreal.
We believe Mr. Theagène is qualified to serve on our board of directors because he has extensive technology, pharmaceutical and entrepreneurial start-up experience and expertise.
Steven Chaouki; Director
Steven M. Chaouki is President, U.S. Markets & Consumer Interactive, overseeing two TransUnion business lines. U.S. Markets provides information and insights to business customers across financial services, insurance, public sector, media and diversified markets. Consumer Interactive provides credit, financial and identity protection services to consumers. He previously held the role of Executive Vice President, Financial Services, responsible for the company’s financial services business, which provides solutions to banks, credit unions,
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capital markets, financial services resellers, auto lenders and other customers. Before joining TransUnion, Mr. Chaouki held roles at HSBC in card/retail services and auto finance. Mr. Chaouki earned an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Boston University.
We believe Mr. Chaouki is qualified to serve on our board of directors because he has extensive management and financial experience and expertise.
Laurentiu Vlad; Former Director
Laurentiu Vlad served as a director from 2019 until his notification to the Company of his resignation from the Board on March 13, 2023 and effective on March 16, 2023. He is a highly successful entrepreneur has started and grown two successful companies, in wholesale and retail as well as the lighting industry. His most recent company, Luminii, is the US market leader in linear lighting, having built projects including One World Trade Center, Uber HQ, Space Needle Seattle, and United Polaris Lounges.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our officers or directors.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, except as set forth above regarding Mr. McGuire, none of our directors or executive officers were involved in any legal proceedings described in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K in the past ten years.
Board Composition
Our board of directors currently consists of seven members, all of whom are members pursuant to the board composition provisions of our current amended and restated certificate of incorporation and agreements with our stockholders, and who will remain members pursuant to the board composition provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended.
Our nominating and corporate governance committee and our board of directors may consider a broad range of factors relating to the qualifications and background of board nominees, which may include diversity, which is not only limited to race, gender or national origin. We have no formal policy regarding board diversity. Our nominating and corporate governance committee’s and our board of directors’ priority in selecting board members is identification of persons who will further the interests of our stockholders through his or her established record of professional accomplishment, the ability to contribute positively to the collaborative culture among board members, knowledge of our business, understanding of the competitive landscape and professional and personal experiences and expertise relevant to our growth strategy. Our directors hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each as amended to become effective upon the completion of this offering, also provide that our directors may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes that all our stockholders would be entitled to cast in an election of directors, and that any vacancy on our board of directors, including a vacancy resulting from an enlargement of our board of directors, may be filled only by vote of a majority of our directors then in office and not by the stockholders, unless the board determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders.
Director Independence. Our board of directors has determined that all members of our board of directors are independent directors, with the exception of Vlad Vitoc, including for purposes of the rules of the NYSE American and relevant federal securities laws and regulations.
Staggered Board. In accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, our board of directors is divided into three staggered classes of directors of the same or nearly the same number and each will be assigned to one of the three classes. At each annual meeting of the stockholders, a class of directors will be elected for a three-year term to succeed the directors of the same class whose terms are then expiring.
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The terms of the directors expire upon the election and qualification of successor directors at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held during the years 2023 for Class I directors, 2024 for Class II directors, and 2025 for Class III directors:

• | our Class I directors are Louie Ngar Yee and Steven Chaouki;

• | our Class II directors are Vlad Vitoc, Ramiro Guerrero and Cristian Luput; and

• | our Class III directors are Jean-Manassé Theagène and Stan Smith.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that the number of our directors shall be fixed from time to time by a resolution of the majority of our board of directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class shall consist of one third of our board of directors.
The division of our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent stockholder efforts to effect a change of our management or a change in control.
The board of directors held a total of four meetings and took action by written consent or electronically on 16 occasions during the year ended December 31, 2022. All directors attended all of the meetings of the Board of Directors, except for the meeting held on July 29, 2022 where a majority of directors were in attendance. No annual meeting was held during the year ended December 31, 2022, and all relevant matters were approved by stockholder consent. Our policy is to encourage all directors to attend our annual meetings of stockholders.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors has an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee, each of which have the composition and responsibilities described below. Each of the below committees have a written charter approved by our board of directors. Each of the committees reports to our board of directors as such committee deems appropriate and as our board of directors may request. Copies of each charter are posted on the investor relations section of our website. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee is currently comprised of Ms. Louie, Mr. Chaouki and Dr. Smith, with Ms. Louie serving as chair of the committee. Mr. Laurentiu Vlad resigned as a member of our board of directors in March 2023 and, as a result, ceased to be a member of the Audit Committee. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the audit committee meets the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the applicable NYSE American rules, and has sufficient knowledge in financial and auditing matters to serve on the audit committee. Each of Mr. Chaouki, Dr. Smith and Ms. Louie qualifies as an audit committee financial expert under Item 407 of Regulation S-K. We have adopted an audit committee charter, detailing the principal functions of the audit committee, including:

• | assisting board oversight of (1) the integrity of our financial statements, (2) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) our independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, and (4) the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors; the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement, and oversight of the work of the independent auditors and any other independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us;

• | pre-approving all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors or any other registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures;

• | reviewing and discussing with the independent auditors all relationships the auditors have with us in order to evaluate their continued independence;

• | setting clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

• | obtaining and reviewing a report, at least annually, from the independent auditors describing (1) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures and (2) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the audit firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm and any steps taken to deal with such issues;

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• | meeting to review and discuss our annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements with management and the independent auditor, including reviewing our specific disclosures under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”; reviewing and approving any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC prior to us entering into such transaction; and

• | reviewing with management, the independent auditors, and our legal advisors, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standards or rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.

Our audit committee held four meetings and took action by written consent or electronically on one occasion during the year ended December 31, 2022, except for the meeting held on July 29, 2022 where a majority of members of the audit committee were in attendance. All members of the audit committee attended all of the meetings while they were members of the audit committee. The Audit Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website.
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE(1)
The role of the Audit Committee is to assist the board of directors in its oversight of the Company’s financial reporting process. As set forth in the Audit Committee Charter, management of the Company is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, accounting and financial reporting policies, principles and practices, and internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the Company’s consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles” or “GAAP”).
In the performance of this oversight function, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 with management, and has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Auditing Standard, AS 1301, Communication with Audit Committee, as currently in effect. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as currently in effect, and has discussed with the independent auditors the independent auditors’ independence; and based on its review, discussions, and related deliberations, the Audit Committee recommended to the board of directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 for filing with the SEC.
The members of the Audit Committee are not professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting, are not experts in the fields of accounting or auditing, including in respect of auditor independence. Members of the Audit Committee rely without independent verification on the information provided to them and on the representations made by management and the independent auditors. Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles, or appropriate internal control and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Audit Committee’s consideration and discussions referred to above do not assure that the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements has been carried out in accordance with the auditing standards established by the PCAOB, or that the Company’s auditors are in fact independent, as required under professional auditing standards.
Based upon the reports, review and discussions described in this report, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee referred to above and in the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee and the Board have also recommended, subject to shareholder approval, the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Louie Ngar Yee (Chair of the Audit Committee)
Stan V. Smith
Steven Chaouki

(1) | The material in the Audit Committee report is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date of this Proxy Statement and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filing.

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Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee is comprised of Dr. Smith, Mr. Luput and Mr. Guerrero, with Dr. Smith serving as chair of the committee. Each member of this committee is a non-employee director, as defined by Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the compensation committee is “independent” as defined in the applicable NYSE American rules. The composition of our compensation committee meets the requirements for independence under the NYSE American listing standards, including the applicable transition rules. We have adopted a compensation committee charter which details the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:

• | reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation;

• | reviewing and making recommendations to our board of directors with respect to the compensation, and any incentive-compensation and equity-based plans that are subject to board approval of all of our other officers;

• | reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans;

• | implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans; assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;

• | approving all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our officers and employees; and

• | producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.

The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, independent legal counsel or other adviser and is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by the NYSE American and the SEC.
Our board of directors has assessed the risks that could arise from our employee compensation policies and does not believe that such policies are reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on the Company.
Our compensation committee held two meetings and took action by written consent or electronically on six occasions during the year ended December 31, 2022. All members of the compensation committee attended all of the meetings while they were members of the compensation committee. The Compensation Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating and corporate governance committee is comprised of Ms. Louie, Mr. Luput and Dr. Smith, with Ms. Louie serving as the chair of the committee. We have adopted a nominating and corporate governance committee charter, which details the purpose and responsibilities of the nominating and corporate governance committee, including:

• | identifying, screening and reviewing individuals qualified to serve as directors, consistent with criteria approved by the board of directors, and recommending to the board of directors candidates for nomination for election at the annual meeting of stockholders or to fill vacancies on the board of directors;

• | developing and recommending to the board of directors and overseeing implementation of our corporate governance guidelines;

• | coordinating and overseeing the annual self-evaluation of the board of directors, its committees, individual directors and management in the governance of the company; and

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• | reviewing on a regular basis our overall corporate governance and recommending improvements as and when necessary.

The charter also provides that the nominating and corporate governance committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of, and terminate, any search firm to be used to identify director candidates, and is directly responsible for approving the search firm’s fees and other retention terms.
We have not formally established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the board of directors considers educational background, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders.
Our nominating and corporate governance committee held one meeting and took action by written consent or electronically on no occasions during the year ended December 31, 2022. All members of the nominating and corporate governance committee attended all of the meetings while they were members of the nominating and corporate governance committee. The board of directors has adopted a written charter for the nominating and governance committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website.
Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
Our board of directors does not have a policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors, as our board of directors believes it is in the best interest of the Company to make that determination based on the position and direction of the Company and the membership of the board of directors. Our board of directors has determined that having an employee director serve as Chairman is in the best interest of our stockholders at this time because of the efficiencies achieved in having the role of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman combined, and because the detailed knowledge of our day-to-day operations and business that the Chief Executive Officer possesses greatly enhances the decision-making processes of our board of directors as a whole. Dr. Stan V. Smith is the lead independent director.
The Chairman of the board of directors and the other members of the board of directors work in concert to provide oversight of our management and affairs. Our board of directors encourages communication among its members and between management and the board of directors to facilitate productive working relationships. Working with the other members of the board of directors, our Chairman also strives to ensure that there is an appropriate balance and focus among key board responsibilities such as strategic development, review of operations and risk oversight.
Hedging Policy
The Company’s board of directors has not adopted, and the Company does not have, any specific practices or policies regarding the ability of the officers and directors of the Company, to purchase financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds), or otherwise engage in transactions, that hedge or offset, or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of the Company’s equity securities.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of our compensation committee has at any time during the prior three years been one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past fiscal year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee. For a description of transactions between us and members of our compensation committee and affiliates of such members, see the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions”.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all our employees, officers and directors, including those officers responsible for financial reporting. Our code of business conduct and ethics is available on the investor relations section of our website. We intend to disclose any amendments to the code, or any waivers of its requirements, on our website or in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
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Shareholder Communication with the Board of Directors
Shareholders and parties interested in communicating with our board of directors, any board of directors committee, any individual director or any group of directors (such as our independent directors) should send written correspondence to: Board of Directors, MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., 444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attn.: Secretary. Please note that we will not forward communications that are spam, junk mail and mass mailings, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations or advertisements, or otherwise, communications of an inappropriate nature.
Stockholder Proposals for Next Year’s Annual Meeting
Stockholder Proposals in the Proxy Statement
Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act addresses when a company must include a stockholder’s proposal in its proxy statement and identify the proposal in its form of proxy when the Company holds an annual or special meeting of stockholders. For stockholder proposals within the scope of Rule 14a-8 and submitted in accordance with the procedures specified thereunder, in order for the proposal to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy card relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting, the proposal must comply with Rule 14a-8 and be received at our principal executive offices no earlier than by December 21, 2023 and not later than 5:00 p.m. Central Time on January 20, 2024. Any proposal received after such date will be considered untimely.
Stockholder Proposals and Nominations for Directors to Be Presented at Meetings
For any proposal that is not submitted for inclusion in our proxy material for the 2024 Annual Meeting but is instead sought to be presented directly at that meeting, the proposal must be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in our bylaws. Under our bylaws, for a director nomination or other stockholder proposal to be properly submitted for presentation at the 2024 Annual Meeting, our secretary must receive written notice of the proposal at our principal executive offices no earlier than by December 21, 2023 and not later than 5:00 p.m. Central Time on January 20, 2024. Additionally, a stockholder proposal must contain certain information specified in our bylaws.
All nominations must also comply with our bylaws. All proposals should be sent via registered, certified or express mail to our secretary at our principal executive offices at: MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., 444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attn.: Secretary.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following includes a summary of transactions since January 1, 2020, to which we have been a party in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described under “Executive Compensation.”
Related Party Agreements in Effect Prior to this Offering
Consulting Services
Leigh-Ann Durant, a former member of the Company’s board of directors prior to her stepping down in November 2021, provided consulting services to the Company for which the Company incurred $88,994 for consulting services provided by Ms. Durant during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company paid Ms. Durant $34,560 in cash and issued her options to purchase 23,964 shares of common stock with a total fair value of $54,434 during the year ended December 31, 2021. Ms. Durant was no longer considered a related party in 2022.
Radu Vitoc, a shareholder and brother of the CEO, provided consulting services to the Company for which the Company incurred $4,700 for services provided during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company paid Mr. Vitoc $2,350 in cash and issued him options to purchase 184 shares of common stock with a total fair value of $1,100. The remaining $1,250 for services provided in fiscal 2021 were settled in March, 2022 for 226 options issued to Mr. Vitoc. The Company also issued him a convertible note in the amount of $50,000 during April 2021, which was converted into 8,557 shares of common stock on September 30, 2021 at a conversion price of $6.00 per share, and also received 4,278 warrants to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.00 per share. In 2022, Mr. Vitoc provided consulting services to the Company through July 2022 for which the Company incurred $36,900 for services provided during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company paid Mr. Vitoc $19,950 in cash and issued him options to purchase 4,690 shares of common stock with a total fair value of $19.950. In August 2022, Mr. Vitoc became an employee of the Company.
CEO Loan Agreement
The Company's chief executive officer lent the Company a total of $25,000 in August and September of 2018. These amounts, were unsecured, had no stated interest rate, and no stated repayment terms. The Company repaid $3,633 of the loan to the CEO during 2020 and $367 during 2021. The Company paid these loans in full in March 2021, by issuing the CEO a convertible note in the amount of $21,000. The convertible note issued to the CEO was converted into 3,621 shares of common stock on September 30, 2021 at a conversion price of $6.00 per share. No further notes to the CEO were incurred in the year ended December 31, 2022.
Deferred Compensation Agreements
As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had $0 and $111,271, respectively, of deferred compensation due to certain employees and officers of the Company pursuant to deferred compensation agreements executed during fiscal 2020 and 2019 as part of a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Pursuant to the deferred compensation agreements, the employees had deferred a portion of their annual base salary to be paid upon a Qualified Fund Raising. The Qualified Fund Raising was achieved during July 2021. Upon this event, the employees' salaries were increased up to the market rates set forth in their respective agreements, and all amounts were paid to the employees. The remaining deferred compensation balance as of December 31, 202l relates to amounts incurred for employees who were no longer with the Company as of the payout date. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company accrued $193,379 in deferred compensation. The Company paid $457,749 in cash and issued 268,769 options with a total fair value of $296,264 during the year ended December 31, 2021, to settle a portion of the deferred compensation balance totaling $743,167. The fair value of the options issued in excess of the deferred compensation balance settled totaling $10,846 was recorded as stock-based compensation expense which is presented within general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021.
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Accrued Bonus
During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company accrued $1,094,582 and $384,750, respectively, in bonus expense relating to employees and officers of the Company. On April 16, 2021, the 2020 accrued bonus balance was settled by issuance of 713,536 stock options with a total fair value of $786,531. The fair value of the options issued in excess of the accrued bonus balance totaled $6,531 and was recorded as stock-based compensation expense which is presented within general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021. The 2021 accrued bonus was paid in cash in August
Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors. The indemnification agreements provide the executive officers and directors with contractual rights to indemnification, expense advancement and reimbursement, to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL, subject to certain exceptions contained in those agreements.
Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions
Our board of directors have adopted a written related person transaction policy, setting forth the policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification by our audit committee of related person transactions. This policy covers, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which we were or are to be a participant, where the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 in any fiscal year or one percent of the average of our total assets as of the two previous fiscal years and a related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including without limitation, purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness and employment by us of a related person. In reviewing and approving any such transactions, our audit committee is tasked to consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in an arm's length transaction and the extent of the related person's interest in the transaction. Certain of the transactions described in this section occurred prior to the adoption of this policy.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information concerning the beneficial ownership of our voting securities as of April 17, 2023 by (i) each person who is known by us, based solely on a review of public filings, to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our outstanding voting securities, (ii) each director, (iii) each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table and (iv) all executive officers and directors as a group.
Under applicable SEC rules, a person is deemed to be the “beneficial owner” of a voting security if such person has (or shares) either investment power or voting power over such security or has (or shares) the right to acquire such security within 60 days by any of a number of means, including upon the exercise of options or warrants or the conversion of convertible securities. A beneficial owner’s percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options, warrants and convertible securities that are held by the beneficial owner, but not those held by any other person, and which are exercisable or convertible within 60 days, have been exercised or converted. Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all voting securities shown as being owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner in the table below is care of MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., 444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner, Directors and Executive Officers | ​ | ​ | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | ​ | ​ | Percent of Class(1)
Vlad Vitoc | ​ | ​ | 3,170,147(2) | ​ | ​ | 23.97%
Joseph F. McGuire | ​ | ​ | 66,536(3) | ​ | ​ | *
Sergei M. Gryaznov | ​ | ​ | 910,660(4) | ​ | ​ | 7.63%
Louie Ngar Yee | ​ | ​ | 1,073,957(5) | ​ | ​ | 9.58%
Mihail Obrocea | ​ | ​ | 216,284(6) | ​ | ​ | 1.92%
Ramiro Guerrero | ​ | ​ | 350,008(7) | ​ | ​ | 3.15%
Steven Chaouki | ​ | ​ | 83,970(8) | ​ | ​ | *
Cristian Luput | ​ | ​ | 348,351(9) | ​ | ​ | 3.13%
Stan V. Smith | ​ | ​ | 699,195(10) | ​ | ​ | 6.23%
Jean-Manassé Theagène | ​ | ​ | 945(11) | ​ | ​ | *
Current directors and executive officers as a group (10 individuals) | ​ | ​ | 6,920,053 | ​ | ​ | 56.97%
5% or Greater Holders | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ |
Jerry Shay | ​ | ​ | 712,082(12) | ​ | ​ | 6.43%

* | Represents less than 1%.

(1) | Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. In accordance with SEC rules, shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants which are currently exercisable or which become exercisable within 60 days following the date of the information in this table are deemed to be beneficially owned by, and outstanding with respect to, the holder of such option or warrant, however none of the persons listed hereinabove has the right to acquire beneficial ownership in any other shares of the Company. Subject to community property laws where applicable, to our knowledge, each person listed is believed to have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock owned by such person.

(2) | Dr. Vitoc beneficially owns (i) 1,015,121 shares of common stock, which includes 210,000 shares of common stock owned by his spouse, and (ii) 2,155,026 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023, which includes 28,159 options owned by his spouse and 200,000 options in trusts for his daughters.

(3) | Mr. McGuire beneficially owns (i) 5,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 61,536 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

(4) | Dr. Gryaznov beneficially owns (i) 44,511 shares of common stock and (ii) 866,149 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

(5) | Ms. Louie beneficially owns (i) 928,584 shares of common and (ii) 145,373 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

(6) | Dr. Obrocea beneficially owns (i) 27,100 shares of common stock and (ii) 189,184 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

(7) | Mr. Guerrero beneficially owns (i) 301,709 shares of common stock and (ii) 48,299 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

(8) | Mr. Chaouki beneficially owns (i) 54,250 shares of common stock and (ii) 29,720 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

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(9) | Mr. Luput beneficially owns (i) 295,068 shares of common stock and (ii) 53,283 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

(10) | Dr. Smith beneficially owns, through The Stan V. Smith Trust Dated 1993, (i) 543,328 shares of common stock and (ii) 155,867 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

(11) | Mr. Theagène beneficially owns (i) 945 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

(12) | Dr. Shay beneficially owns (i) 700,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 12,082 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of options exercisable within 60 days of April 17, 2023.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of its equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership (typically, Forms 3,4 and/or 5) of such equity securities with the SEC. Such entities are also required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all such Section 16(a) reports.
To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us regarding the filing of required reports, we believe that all Section 16(a) reports applicable to our directors, executive officers and greater-than-ten-percent beneficial owners with respect to fiscal 2022 were timely filed; except for (i) one Form 4 filed late by Ramiro Guerrero on August 02, 2022 and (ii) one Form 4 filed late by Vlad Vitoc on November 23, 2022, each of which was filed late due to administrative error.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the total compensation paid or accrued during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, to our Chief Executive Officer and President, our Chief Financial Officer and our other two most highly-compensated executive officers that were serving as executive officers as of December 31, 2022 (our “named executive officers”).

Name and Principal Position | ​ | ​ | Year | ​ | ​ | Salary | ​ | ​ | Bonus(1) | ​ | ​ | Option Awards(2) | ​ | ​ | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings | ​ | ​ | All Other Compensation(3) | ​ | ​ | Total
Vlad Vitoc, M.D. M.B.A. Chief Executive Officer and President | ​ | ​ | 2022 | ​ | ​ | $442,542 | ​ | ​ | $236,500 | ​ | ​ | $492,220 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $36,508 | ​ | ​ | $1,207,770
​ | 2021 | ​ | ​ | $264,583 | ​ | ​ | $172,000 | ​ | ​ | $266,068 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | ​— | ​ | ​ | $702,651
Joseph F. McGuire Chief Financial Officer | ​ | ​ | 2022 | ​ | ​ | $308,750 | ​ | ​ | 132,000 | ​ | ​ | $246,110 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $47,128 | ​ | ​ | $733,988
​ | 2021 | ​ | ​ | $112,500 | ​ | ​ | $39,519 | ​ | ​ | $700,258 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $26,035 | ​ | ​ | $878,312
Mihail Obrocea Chief Medical Officer | ​ | ​ | 2022 | ​ | ​ | $391,083 | ​ | ​ | 167,200 | ​ | ​ | $246,110 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $47,101 | ​ | ​ | $851,494
​ | 2021 | ​ | ​ | $162,500 | ​ | ​ | $57,731 | ​ | ​ | $1,907,411 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $18,344 | ​ | ​ | $2,145,986
Sergei Gryaznov Chief Scientific Officer | ​ | ​ | 2022 | ​ | ​ | $339,625 | ​ | ​ | $145,200 | ​ | ​ | $246,110 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $39,944 | ​ | ​ | $770,879
​ | 2021 | ​ | ​ | $238,542 | ​ | ​ | $115,500 | ​ | ​ | $183,980 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $38,485 | ​ | ​ | $576,507

(1) | All of the bonuses earned by our named executive officers in 2021 were paid in cash in 2022. All of the bonuses earned by our named executive offices in 2022 are expected to be paid in cash in 2023.

(2) | The aggregate grant date fair value of such awards were computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation (ASC Topic 718), and do not take into account estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions, if any. The valuation assumptions used in calculating these values are discussed in Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere herein. These amounts do not represent actual amounts paid or to be realized. Amounts shown are not necessarily indicative of values to be achieved, which may be more or less than the amounts shown as awards may subject to time-based vesting.

(3) | All other compensation consists of medical premiums paid on behalf of the executive officers and a 401(k) match to be paid in cash in 2023.

Employment Agreements
In September 2022, we entered into executive employment agreements with each of the senior executive officers in connection with their employment with us, the material terms of which are described below. Except as noted below, these executive employment agreements provide for “at will” employment.
Summary of Employment Agreement with Vlad Vitoc
Under the terms of Dr. Vitoc’s employment agreement dated September 16, 2022, Dr. Vitoc is entitled to an annual base salary of $473,000. Dr. Vitoc is eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash bonus of up to 50% of his then-current base salary based on the attainment of individual performance objectives, corporate goals and milestone achievements established by the board of directors. Dr. Vitoc is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance incentive options award based on the attainment of individual performance objectives, corporate goals and milestone achievements established by the board of directors for the previous performance year. Dr. Vitoc is eligible to participate in regular health insurance and other employee benefit plans as established by the Company, as well as reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of services to the Company.
The employment agreement also provides for severance payments and benefits upon termination by the Company without Cause (as defined below), or by Dr. Vitoc for Good Reason (as defined below): (i) payment of his then-current base salary for a period of 12 months following termination; (ii) acceleration of unvested equity awards that would have vested during the 12 months following the date of termination; and (iii) continued coverage under the Company’s group health insurance plan with the cost of such coverage shared in the same relative proportion by the Company and Dr. Vitoc as in effect on his last day of employment until the earlier of 12 months from termination or the date Dr. Vitoc becomes eligible for medical benefits with another employer. Further, the agreement provides that upon termination by the Company without Cause or by Dr. Vitoc for Good
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Reason within a period of 180 days following a Change of Control (as defined below), Dr. Vitoc will be entitled to receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to 18 months of his then-current base salary; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to 1.5 times the target bonus for the year of termination; (iii) acceleration of all unvested equity awards as of the date of termination; and (iv) continued coverage under the Company’s group health insurance plan with the cost of such coverage shared in the same relative proportion by the Company and Dr. Vitoc as in effect on his last day of employment until the earlier of 18 months from termination or the date Dr. Vitoc becomes eligible for medical benefits with another employer. Payment in each case is subject to Dr. Vitoc’s execution of a release satisfactory to the Company following such termination.
In addition, in consideration of the payments and benefits provided under his employment agreement, Dr. Vitoc has agreed to certain invention assignment, confidentiality and other restrictive covenants, including, among other things, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions that apply during the term of Dr. Vitoc’s employment and for 12 months thereafter.
“Cause” means the executive’s: (i) willful misconduct with respect to the Company, which causes material harm to the Company or its reputation; (ii) continuing failure to materially perform executive’s essential job duties (other than upon a Disability), provided that executive’s failure to achieve Company operating goals by itself, will not constitute a basis for Cause if executive attempts in good faith to meet such operating goals; (iii) refusal to follow a lawful directive of the Board that is materially related to and reasonably consistent with the provisions of the agreement; (iv) material failure to comply with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and material policies; (v) act of fraud with respect to the Company or willful and knowing misappropriation of Company property; (vi) commission of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or (vii) material breach of any material term of the agreement or of any separate proprietary information and invention assignment agreement between executive and the Company, provided, however, that, in the event of conduct described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) that is reasonably capable of being cured, Cause shall exist only if the Company provides written notice to executive within sixty (60) days following the initial occurrence of such event giving rise to Cause reasonably detailing such grounds for Cause and executive fails to cure such grounds for Cause to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company within thirty (30) business days after delivery to executive of such written notice. executive’s date of termination in the event executive’s employment is terminated for Cause shall be the date on which executive is given notice of termination, except, if a notice period is required, executive’s date of termination shall be upon the expiration of said notice period if executive fails to previously cure the grounds giving rise to Cause.
“Good Reason” means (i) any action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of the employment agreement or the indemnification agreement between the Company and executive; (ii) any change in executive’s title or reporting line or a reduction in authority or duties of employment; or (iii) the Company no longer permits full-time remote working; provided, in each case, executive has provided the Company with written notice reasonably detailing such grounds for Good Reason within ninety (90) days after the occurrence thereof, and the Company fails to cure such grounds for Good Reason within thirty (30) days after delivery to it of such written notice.
“Change of Control” means (i) the sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or (ii) the consummation of any merger, consolidation, sale of stock of the Company or other transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which the direct or indirect stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of such merger, consolidation, sale or other transaction or series of related transactions do not, immediately following such consummation, directly or indirectly own a majority of the outstanding equity interests in the entity resulting from or surviving such merger, consolidation, sale or other transaction or series of related transactions.
Summary of Employment Agreement with Mihail Obrocea
Under the terms of Dr. Obrocea’s employment agreement dated September 16, 2022, Dr. Obrocea is entitled to an annual base salary of $418,000. Dr. Obrocea is eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash bonus of up to 40% of his then-current base salary based on the attainment of individual performance objectives, corporate goals and milestone achievements established by the board of directors for the previous performance year. The remainder of the terms of the employment agreement are substantially the same as the terms of Dr. Vitoc’s employment agreement summarized above.
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Summary of Employment Agreement with Sergei Gryaznov
Under the terms of Dr. Gryaznov’s employment agreement dated September 16, 2022, Dr. Gryaznov is entitled to an annual base salary of $363,000. Dr. Gryaznov is eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash bonus of up to 40% of his then-current base salary based on the attainment of individual performance objectives, corporate goals and milestone achievements established by the board of directors for the previous performance year. The remainder of the terms of the employment agreement are substantially the same as the terms of Dr. Vitoc’s employment agreement summarized above.
Summary of Employment Agreement with Joseph McGuire
Under the terms of Mr. McGuire’s employment agreement dated September 16, 2022, Mr. McGuire is entitled to an annual base salary of $330,000. Mr. McGuire is eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash bonus of up to 40% of his then-current base salary based on the attainment of individual performance objectives, corporate goals and milestone achievements established by the board of directors for the previous performance year. The remainder of the terms of the employment agreement are substantially the same as the terms of Dr. Vitoc’s employment agreement summarized above.
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2022
The following table presents the outstanding equity incentive plan awards held by each named executive officer as of December 31, 2022.

Name | ​ | ​ | Option Awards(1) | ​ | ​ | Option Exercise Price Per Share ($)(2) | ​ | ​ | Option Expiration Date | ​ | ​ | Stock Awards
​ | Grant Date | ​ | ​ | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) | ​ | ​ | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) | ​ | ​ | Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested | ​ | ​ | Market Value of Shares of Units of Stock that Have Not Vested(3)
Vlad Vitoc | ​ | ​ | 09/16/2022 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | 200,000 | ​ | ​ | $3.56 | ​ | ​ | 09/15/2032 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 07/01/2021 | ​ | ​ | 7,529 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 6/30/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 04/16/2021 | ​ | ​ | 473,797 | ​ | ​ | 36,109 | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 4/15/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 04/01/2021 | ​ | ​ | 23,078 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 3/31/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 01/01/2021 | ​ | ​ | 23,695 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 12/31/2031 | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ |
​ | 11/03/2020 | ​ | ​ | 405,789 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 11/2/2030 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 04/01/2020 | ​ | ​ | 169,500 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 3/31/2030 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 10/01/2018 | ​ | ​ | 805,000 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 9/30/2028 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
Joseph McGuire | ​ | ​ | 09/16/2022 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | 100,000 | ​ | ​ | $3.56 | ​ | ​ | 9/15/2032 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 08/31/2021 | ​ | ​ | 1,297 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $8.00 | ​ | ​ | 8/30/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 08/16/2021 | ​ | ​ | 43,334 | ​ | ​ | 86,666 | ​ | ​ | $8.00 | ​ | ​ | 8/15/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 07/30/2021 | ​ | ​ | 656 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $8.00 | ​ | ​ | 7/29/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
Mihail Obrocea | ​ | ​ | 09/16/2022 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | 100,000 | ​ | ​ | $3.56 | ​ | ​ | 9/15/2032 | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ |
​ | 07/31/2021 | ​ | ​ | 772 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $8.00 | ​ | ​ | 7/30/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 07/15/2021 | ​ | ​ | 92,085 | ​ | ​ | 167,915 | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 7/14/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 6/30/2021 | ​ | ​ | 7,436 | ​ | ​ | 1.83 | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ | 6/29/2031 | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ |
​ | 06/07/2021 | ​ | ​ | 7,447 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 6/6/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 06/05/2021 | ​ | ​ | 6,476 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 6/4/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 04/16/2021 | ​ | ​ | 10,022 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 4/15/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 01/31/2021 | ​ | ​ | 6,131 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 1/30/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 01/06/2021 | ​ | ​ | 13,269 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 1/5/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —

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Name | ​ | ​ | Option Awards(1) | ​ | ​ | Option Exercise Price Per Share ($)(2) | ​ | ​ | Option Expiration Date | ​ | ​ | Stock Awards
​ | Grant Date | ​ | ​ | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) | ​ | ​ | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) | ​ | ​ | Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested | ​ | ​ | Market Value of Shares of Units of Stock that Have Not Vested(3)
Sergei Gryaznov | ​ | ​ | 09/16/2022 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | 100,000 | ​ | ​ | $3.56 | ​ | ​ | 9/15/2032 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 7/1/2021 | ​ | ​ | 7,529 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 6/30/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 4/16/2021 | ​ | ​ | 265,020 | ​ | ​ | 18,055 | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 4/15/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 4/1/2021 | ​ | ​ | 23,078 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.83 | ​ | ​ | 3/31/2031 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 1/1/2021 | ​ | ​ | 23,695 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 12/31/2030 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 11/3/2020 | ​ | ​ | 236,493 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 11/2/2030 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 04/01/2020 | ​ | ​ | 54,000 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 3/31/2030 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 12/19/2019 | ​ | ​ | 48,000 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 12/18/2029 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ | 12/01/2019 | ​ | ​ | 200,000 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $1.80 | ​ | ​ | 11/30/2029 | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —
​ |  | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ |  | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | —

(1) | All of the option awards were granted under the 2018 Plan or the 2020 Plan, the terms of which are described below under “—Equity Compensation Plans and Other Benefit Plans—2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan.”

Equity Compensation Plans and Other Benefit Plans
2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan
On September 14, 2018, we adopted and approved the 2018 Stock Option Plan (the “2018 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of 3,900,000 shares of our common stock for purposes of attracting, retaining, and motivating key employees, directors, and consultants. On May 29, 2020, we amended the 2018 Plan and approved it as the Amended and Restated 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) and reserved 1,671,000 common stock for issuance. As of the date of this proxy statement, there are 1,924,500 shares outstanding in the 2018 plan and no shares reserved for issuance. On November 1, 2020, we approved the second amendment of the 2020 Plan to reserve a total of 3,171,000 common stock for issuance. In April and July of 2021 there were amendments to the 2020 Plan to bring the plan to a total of 4,171,000 shares reserved for issuance. The 2020 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. As of the date of this proxy statement, we have granted an aggregate of 3,999,023 options to various key employees, directors, and consultants under the 2020 Plan. As of the date of this proxy statement, there are 3,993,023 shares underlying outstanding options granted under the 2020 Plan. No additional options will be granted under the 2020 Plan upon the effectiveness of the 2021 Plan, as more fully described below.
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
Our board of directors and stockholders have adopted and approved the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), which has replaced the 2020 Plan. The 2021 Plan is a comprehensive incentive compensation plan under which we can grant equity-based and other incentive awards to our officers, employees, directors, consultants and advisers. The purpose of the 2021 Plan is to help us attract, retain, and motivate such persons with awards under the 2021 Plan and thereby enhance shareholder value.
Administration. The 2021 Plan is administered by the compensation committee of the Board, which shall consist of three members of the board, each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and “independent” for purposes of any applicable listing requirements. If a member of the compensation committee is eligible to receive an award under the 2021 Plan, such compensation committee member shall have no authority under the plan with respect to his or her own award. Among other things, the compensation committee has complete discretion, subject to the express limits of the 2021 Plan, to determine the directors, employees and nonemployee consultants to be granted an award, the type of award to be granted the terms and conditions of the award, the form of payment to be made and/or the number of shares of common stock subject to each award, the exercise price of each option and base price of each stock appreciation
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right (“SAR”), the term of each award, the vesting schedule for an award, whether to accelerate vesting, the value of the common stock underlying the award, and the required withholding, if any. The compensation committee may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding award, provided that the participant’s consent to such action is required if the action would impair the participant’s rights or entitlements with respect to that award. The compensation committee is also authorized to construe the award agreements, and may prescribe rules relating to the 2021 Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the compensation committee does not have any authority to grant or modify an award under the 2021 Plan with terms or conditions that would cause the grant, vesting or exercise thereof to be considered nonqualified “deferred compensation” subject to Code Section 409A, unless such award is structured to be exempt from or comply with all requirements of Code Section 409A.
Grant of Awards; Shares Available for Awards. The 2021 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, SARs, performance share awards, performance unit awards, distribution equivalent right awards, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and unrestricted stock awards to non-employee directors, officers, employees and nonemployee consultants of MAIA or its affiliates. The aggregate number of shares of common stock reserved and available for grant and issuance under the 2021 Plan was initially 1,909,518, including the reserved shares of common stock not issued or subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2020 Plan. As of the date of this proxy statement, we have granted an aggregate of 1,310,392 options to various key employees, directors, and consultants under the 2021 Plan, and 599,126 shares of common stock are reserved and available for grant and issuance under the 2021 Plan. The same number of shares of common stock in the aggregate may be issued under the 2021 Plan in connection with incentive stock options. Shares shall be deemed to have been issued under the 2021 Plan solely to the extent actually issued and delivered pursuant to an award. If any award granted under the 2020 Plan or the 2021 Plan expires, is cancelled, or terminates unexercised or is forfeited, the number of shares subject thereto is again available for grant under the 2021 Plan. The 2021 Plan shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated, until the tenth (10 th) anniversary of the date on which it is adopted by the Board. The Board in its discretion may terminate the 2021 Plan at any time with respect to any shares for which awards have not theretofore been granted; provided, however, that the 2021 Plan’s termination shall not materially and adversely impair the rights of a holder, without the consent of the holder, with respect to any award previously granted.
Future new hires and additional non-employee directors and/or consultants would be eligible to participate in the 2021 Plan as well. The number of stock options and/or shares of restricted stock to be granted to executives and directors cannot be determined at this time as the grant of stock options and/or shares of restricted stock is dependent upon various factors such as hiring requirements and job performance.
Stock Options. The 2021 Plan provides for either “incentive stock options” (“ISOs”), which are intended to meet the requirements for special federal income tax treatment under Section 422 of the Code, or “nonqualified stock options” (“NQSOs”). Stock options may be granted on such terms and conditions as the compensation committee may determine, which shall be specified in the option agreement; provided, however, that the per share exercise price under a stock option may not be less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant and the term of the stock option may not exceed 10 years (110% of such value and five years in the case of an ISO granted to an employee who owns (or is deemed to own) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of our Company or a parent or subsidiary of our Company). ISOs may only be granted to employees. In addition, the aggregate fair market value of common stock covered by one or more ISOs (determined at the time of grant), which are exercisable for the first time by an employee during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. Any excess is treated as a NQSO.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A SAR entitles the participant, upon exercise, to receive an amount, in cash or stock or a combination thereof, equal to the increase in the fair market value of the underlying common stock between the date of grant and the date of exercise. The compensation committee shall set forth in the applicable SAR award agreement the terms and conditions of the SAR, including the base value for the SAR (which shall not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant), the number of shares subject to the SAR and the period during which the SAR may be exercised and any other special rules and/or requirements which the compensation committee imposes on the SAR. No SAR shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of grant. SARs may be granted in tandem with, or independently of, stock options granted under the 2021 Plan. A SAR granted in tandem with a stock option (i) is exercisable only at such times, and to the extent, that the related stock option is exercisable in accordance with the procedure for exercise of the related stock option; (ii) terminates upon termination or exercise of the related stock option (likewise, the common stock
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option granted in tandem with a SAR terminates upon exercise of the SAR); (iii) is transferable only with the related stock option; and (iv) if the related stock option is an ISO, may be exercised only when the value of the stock subject to the stock option exceeds the exercise price of the stock option. A SAR that is not granted in tandem with a stock option is exercisable at such times as the compensation committee may specify.
Performance Shares and Performance Unit Awards. Performance share and performance unit awards entitle the participant to receive cash or shares of common stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals. In the case of performance units, the right to acquire the units is denominated in cash values. The compensation committee shall set forth in the applicable award agreement the performance goals and objectives and the period of time to which such goals and objectives shall apply. If such goals and objectives are achieved, such distribution of shares, or payment in cash, as the case may be, shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15 th) day of the third (3 rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year to which such performance goals and objectives relate, unless otherwise structured to comply with Code Section 409A.
Distribution Equivalent Right Awards. A distribution equivalent right award entitles the participant to receive bookkeeping credits, cash payments and/or common stock distributions equal in amount to the distributions that would have been made to the participant had the participant held a specified number of shares of common stock during the period the participant held the distribution equivalent right. A distribution equivalent right may be awarded as a component of another award (but not an option or SAR award) under the 2021 Plan, where, if so awarded, such distribution equivalent right will expire or be forfeited by the participant under the same conditions as under such other award. The compensation committee shall set forth in the applicable distribution equivalent rights award agreement the terms and conditions, if any, including whether the holder is to receive credits currently in cash, is to have such credits reinvested (at fair market value determined as of the date of reinvestment) in additional ordinary shares, or is to be entitled to choose among such alternatives.
Restricted Stock Awards. A restricted stock award is a grant or sale of common stock to the holder, subject to such restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions, if any, as the compensation committee or the board of directors may impose, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances (including based on achievement of performance goals and/or future service requirements), in such instalments or otherwise, as the compensation committee or the board of directors may determine at the date of grant or purchase or thereafter. If provided for under the restricted stock award agreement, a participant who is granted or has purchased restricted stock shall have all of the rights of a shareholder, including the right to vote the restricted stock and the right to receive dividends thereon (subject to any mandatory reinvestment or other requirement imposed by the compensation committee or the board of directors or in the award agreement). During the restricted period applicable to the restricted stock, subject to certain exceptions, the restricted stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of by the participant.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards. A restricted stock unit award provides for a grant of shares or a cash payment to be made to the holder upon the satisfaction of predetermined individual service-related vesting requirements, based on the number of units awarded to the holder. The compensation committee shall set forth in the applicable restricted stock unit award agreement the individual service-based vesting requirements which the holder would be required to satisfy before the holder would become entitled to payment and the number of units awarded to the holder. The holder of a restricted stock unit shall be entitled to receive either a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock or a distribution of one share of common stock, as determined in the sole discretion of the compensation committee and as set forth in the restricted stock unit award agreement, for each restricted stock unit subject to such restricted stock unit award, if and to the extent the holder satisfies the applicable vesting requirements. Such payment or distribution shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15 th) day of the third (3 rd) calendar month next following the end of the calendar year in which the restricted stock unit first becomes vested, unless otherwise structured to comply with Code Section 409A. A restricted stock unit shall not constitute an equity interest in the Company and shall not entitle the holder to voting rights, dividends or any other rights associated with ownership of shares of our common stock prior to the time the holder shall receive a distribution of shares, if any.
Unrestricted Stock Awards. An unrestricted stock award is a grant or sale of shares of our common stock to the employees, non-employee directors or non-employee consultants that are not subject to transfer, forfeiture or other restrictions, in consideration for past services rendered to the Company or an affiliate or for other valid consideration.
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Change-in-Control Provisions. The compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, at the time an award is granted or at any time prior to, coincident with or after the time of a change in control, cause any award either (i) to be cancelled in consideration of a payment in cash or other consideration in amount per share equal to the excess, if any, of the price or implied price per share of common stock in the change in control over the per share exercise, base or purchase price of such award, which may be paid immediately or over the vesting schedule of the award; (ii) to be assumed, or new rights substituted therefore, by the surviving corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such surviving corporation following such change in control; (iii) accelerate any time periods, or waive any other conditions, relating to the vesting, exercise, payment or distribution of an award so that any award to a holder whose employment has been terminated as a result of a change in control may be vested, exercised, paid or distributed in full on or before a date fixed by the compensation committee; (iv) to be purchased from a holder whose employment has been terminated as a result of a change of control, upon the holder’s request, for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise, payment or distribution of such rights had such award been currently exercisable or payable; or (v) terminate any then outstanding award or make any other adjustment to the awards then outstanding as the compensation committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect such transaction or change. The number of shares subject to any award shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
Amendment and Termination. The compensation committee may adopt, amend and rescind rules relating to the administration of the 2021 Plan, and amend, suspend or terminate the 2021 Plan, but no such amendment or termination will be made that materially and adversely impairs the rights of any participant with respect to any award received thereby under the 2021 Plan without the participant’s consent, other than amendments that are necessary to permit the granting of awards in compliance with applicable laws.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
The following is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences under current tax law to the Company (to the extent it is subject to U.S. federal income taxation on its net income) and to participants in the 2021 Plan who are individual citizens or residents of the United States for federal income tax purposes (“U.S. Participants”) of stock options which are ISOs, or stock options which are NQSOs, unrestricted stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, performance units, SARs, and dividend equivalent rights. This summary does not purport to cover all of the special rules that may apply, including special rules relating to limitations on our ability to deduct certain compensation, special rules relating to deferred compensation, golden parachutes, U.S. Participants subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or the exercise of a stock option with previously acquired ordinary shares. This summary assumes that U.S. Participants will hold their shares of common stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In addition, this summary does not address the foreign, state or local or other tax consequences, or any U.S. federal non-income tax consequences, inherent in the acquisition, ownership, vesting, exercise, termination or disposition of an award under the 2021 Plan or shares of common stock issued pursuant thereto. Participants are urged to consult with their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences to them of an award under the 2021 Plan or shares issued thereunder.
A U.S. Participant generally does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a NQSO if it is structured to be exempt from or comply with Code Section 409A. Upon the exercise of a NQSO, the U.S. Participant generally recognizes ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ordinary shares acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price thereof, and the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction for such amount at that time. If the U.S. Participant later sells ordinary shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a NQSO, the U.S. Participant recognizes a long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the period for which the ordinary shares were held. A long-term capital gain is generally subject to more favorable tax treatment than ordinary income or a short-term capital gain. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
A U.S. Participant generally does not recognize taxable income upon the grant or, except for purposes of the U.S. alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) the exercise, of an ISO. For purposes of the AMT, which is payable to the extent it exceeds the U.S. Participant’s regular income tax, upon the exercise of an ISO, the excess of the fair market value of the ordinary shares subject to the ISO over the exercise price is a preference item for AMT purposes. If the U.S. Participant disposes of the ordinary shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO more than two years after the date of grant and more than one year after the transfer of the ordinary shares to the U.S. Participant, the U.S. Participant generally recognizes a long-term capital gain or loss, and the Company will
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not be entitled to a deduction. However, if the U.S. Participant disposes of such ordinary shares prior to the end of either of the required holding periods, the U.S. Participant will have ordinary compensation income equal to the excess (if any) of the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of such shares) over the exercise price paid for such shares, and the Company generally will be entitled to deduct such amount.
A U.S. Participant generally does not recognize income upon the grant of a SAR. The U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income upon exercise of the SAR equal to the increase in the value of the underlying shares, and the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction for such amount.
A U.S. Participant generally does not recognize income on the receipt of a performance stock award, performance unit award, restricted stock unit award, unrestricted stock award or dividend equivalent rights award until a cash payment or a distribution of ordinary shares is received thereunder. At such time, the U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ordinary shares or the amount of cash received over any amount paid therefor, and the Company generally will be entitled to deduct such amount at such time.
A U.S. Participant who receives a restricted stock award generally recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such ordinary shares at the time the restriction lapses over any amount paid for the ordinary shares. Alternatively, the U.S. Participant may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed on the fair market value of such ordinary shares at the time of grant. The Company generally will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the income that is required to be included by the U.S. Participant.
401(k) Plan
Our eligible employees have been permitted to participate in our 401(k) beginning October 1, 2022. Participation in the 401(k) plan is offered for the benefit of our employees, including our named executive officers, who remain employed with us, and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. We match employee contributions using a benchmark to industry standards. Under the 401(k) plan, eligible employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation, within the limits prescribed by the Code, on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis, through contributions to the 401(k) plan. The 401(k) plan is intended to qualify under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan and earnings on those pre-tax contributions are not taxable to the employees until distributed from the 401(k) plan, and earnings on Roth contributions are not taxable when distributed from the 401(k) plan.
10b5-1 Plan
Certain of our directors and executive officers have adopted written plans, known as Rule 10b5-1 plans, in which they have contracted with a broker to buy shares of our common stock on a periodic basis. Our other directors and executive officers may also adopt Rule 10b5-1 plans in which they will contract with a broker to buy or sell shares of our common stock on a periodic basis. Under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, a broker executes trades pursuant to parameters established by the director or officer when entering into the plan, without further direction from the director or officer. The director or officer may amend or terminate the plan in limited circumstances. Our directors and executive officers may also buy or sell additional shares of our common stock outside of a Rule 10b5-1 plan when they are not in possession of material, nonpublic information.
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification Matters
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director of our company shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) in respect of unlawful dividend payments or stock redemptions or repurchases, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that if the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) is amended to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the liability of a director of our company shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.
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The amended and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that any repeal or modification of such article by our stockholders or amendment to the DGCL will not affect any right or protection existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring before such repeal or modification of a director serving at the time of such repeal or modification.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that we will indemnify each person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of us) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, our director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise (all such persons being referred to as an “Indemnitee”), or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if such Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that we will advance expenses to Indemnitees in connection with a legal proceeding, subject to limited exceptions.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also permits us to secure insurance on behalf of ourselves and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another corporation, partnership joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any expense, liability or loss incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
We have entered into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers, in addition to indemnification provided for in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. These agreements, among other things, provide for indemnification of our directors and executive officers for expenses, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by them in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as a director or executive officer or at our request. We believe that these provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and executive officers.
The description above of the indemnification provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our indemnification agreements is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to these documents, each of which has been previously filed as an exhibit to certain of our SEC filings.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and our stockholders. A stockholder’s investment may be harmed to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. There is no pending litigation or proceeding naming any of our directors or officers as to which indemnification is being sought, nor are we aware of any pending or threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any director or officer.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
Our policy through November 15, 2022 with respect to the compensation payable to our non-employee directors provides that each non-employee director are eligible to receive compensation for his or her service consisting solely of equity awards, specifically 18,000 stock options per year, of which 1,500 will vest for each month of service. Non-employee directors that serve as chair of audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee receive an additional 5,000 stock options per year, of which 417 will vest for each month of service. Starting November 15, 2022 our policy with respect to the compensation payable to our non-employee directors provides that each non-employee director will be eligible to receive compensation for his or her service consisting solely of equity awards, specifically $60,000 worth of stock options per year granted
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from the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options will vest and distributed quarterly ($15,000 per quarter) and will be valued based on the closing stock price at the end of the three-month period. Non-employee directors that serve as chair of audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee receive an additional $15,000 worth of stock options per year, granted from the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options will vest and distributed quarterly ($3,750 per quarter) and will be valued based on the closing stock price at the end of the three-month period.
Directors may be reimbursed for travel, food, lodging and other expenses directly related to their service as directors. Directors will also be entitled to the protection provided by their indemnification agreements and the indemnification provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws.
The employment agreements for the Director who is a full-time employee expressly provides that his service on the Board does not entitle him to any additional compensation. The following table shows the total compensation paid or accrued to sitting non-employee members of our board of directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Name | ​ | ​ | Fees earned or paid in cash | ​ | ​ | Stock awards | ​ | ​ | Option awards(1) | ​ | ​ | All Other Compensation | ​ | ​ | Total
Steven Chaouki(4) | ​ | ​ | $— | ​ | ​ | $—(2) | ​ | ​ | $7,500(2) | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $7,500
Ramiro Guerrero | ​ | ​ | $— | ​ | ​ | $—(3) | ​ | ​ | $7,500(3) | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $7,500
Louie Ngar Yee | ​ | ​ | $— | ​ | ​ | $—(4) | ​ | ​ | $11,250(4) | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $11,250
Cristian Luput | ​ | ​ | $— | ​ | ​ | $—(5) | ​ | ​ | $7,500(5) | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $7,500
Stan V. Smith | ​ | ​ | $— | ​ | ​ | $—(6) | ​ | ​ | $9,375(6) | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $9,375
Laurentiu Vlad | ​ | ​ | $— | ​ | ​ | $—(7) | ​ | ​ | $7,500(7) | ​ | ​ | — | ​ | ​ | $7,500

(1) | The aggregate grant date fair value of such awards were computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation (ASC Topic 718), and do not take into account estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions, if any. The valuation assumptions used in calculating these values are discussed in Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere herein. These amounts do not represent actual amounts paid or to be realized. Amounts shown are not necessarily indicative of values to be achieved, which may be more or less than the amounts shown as awards may subject to time-based vesting.

(2) | Steven Chaouki had 0 shares and 24,045 total options outstanding.

(3) | Ramiro Guerrero had 33,334 shares and 39,045 total options outstanding.

(4) | Louie Ngar Yee had 11,111 shares and 50,568 total options outstanding.

(5) | Cristian Luput had 24,306 shares and 39,045 total options outstanding.

(6) | Stan V. Smith had 33,334 shares and 101,529 total options outstanding.

(7) | Laurentiu Vlad had 33,334 shares and 36,045 total options outstanding.

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AUDIT-RELATED MATTERS
General
In fulfilling its oversight role, our Audit Committee met and held discussions, both together and separately, with the Company’s management and Grant Thornton. Management advised the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements and key accounting and reporting issues with management and Grant Thornton, both together and separately, in advance of the public release of operating results and filing of annual and quarterly reports with the SEC. The Audit Committee discussed with Grant Thornton matters deemed significant by Grant Thornton, including those matters required to be discussed pursuant to Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended, and reviewed a letter from Grant Thornton disclosing such matters.
Grant Thornton also provided the Audit Committee with the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the outside auditors’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and we discussed with Grant Thornton matters relating to their independence.
Based on our review with management and Grant Thornton of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and Grant Thornton’s report on such financial statements, and based on the discussions and written disclosures described above and our business judgment, the Audit Committee recommended to the board of directors, and the board of directors approved, that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2022. A representative of Grant Thornton, LLP is expected to be present virtually at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make a statement, if desired.
Dismissal of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
On November 21, 2022, upon the approval of our Audit Committee, we dismissed EisnerAmper LLP (“EisnerAmper”) as our independent registered public accounting firm.
EisnerAmper audited the financial statements of the Company for each of the two years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The report of EisnerAmper on such financial statements did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and the subsequent interim period through the date of dismissal, there have been no: (i) “disagreements” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) with EisnerAmper on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of EisnerAmper, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their report on the financial statements or (ii) “reportable events” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
The Company has provided EisnerAmper a copy of this disclosure and EisnerAmper has provided a letter addressed to the Securities & Exchange Commission confirming their agreement with the disclosure contained herein. Pursuant to our request, EisnerAmper has provided the letter attached hereto as Exhibit 16.1.
Newly Appointed Independent Registered Public Accountant
On November 21, 2022, upon the approval of the Audit Committee, we engaged Grant Thornton as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, effective immediately.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and the subsequent interim period through the date of Grant Thornton’s engagement, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted Grant Thornton regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's consolidated financial statements and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company by Grant Thornton that Grant Thornton concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to such accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a “reportable event” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
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Fees
Audit Fees
Professional services relating to audits of our annual consolidated financial, reviews of our quarterly SEC filings, issuance of comfort letters and consents, and other audit services related to a statutory audit requirement. Aggregate fees for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were approximately $540,225 and $320,075, respectively.
Audit Related Fees
There were no audit related fees for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Tax Fees
Aggregate tax fees for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were approximately $15,750 and $13,650, respectively.
All Other Fees
There were no other fees billed for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Policy Regarding Pre-Approval of Services Provided by the Outside Auditors
The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, and to not engage them to perform the specific non-audit services proscribed by law or regulation. Each fiscal year, the Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm and approves the fees and services to be performed for the year. All fees listed in the table above were approved in accordance with the Audit Committee’s policies.
In considering the nature of the services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, the audit committee determined that such services are compatible with the provision of independent audit services. The audit committee discussed these services with the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company’s management to determine that they are permitted under the rules and regulations concerning auditor independence promulgated by the SEC to implement the related requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. All services rendered by the independent registered public accounting firm were pre-approved by the audit committee.
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GENERAL
Management does not know of any matters other than those stated in this proxy statement that are to be presented for action at the meeting. If any other matters should properly come before the meeting, it is intended that proxies in the accompanying form will be voted on any such other matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting such proxies. Discretionary authority to vote on such matters is conferred by such proxies upon the persons voting them.
We will bear the cost of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing the proxy, proxy statement and other material which may be sent to shareholders in connection with this solicitation. It is contemplated that brokerage houses will forward the proxy materials to beneficial owners at our request. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the mails, officers and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies without additional compensation, by telephone or other electronic means.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the SEC under the Exchange Act. The Company’s SEC filings made electronically through the SEC’s EDGAR system are available free of charge to the public at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
We will only deliver one proxy statement to multiple security holders sharing an address unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the security holders. Upon written or oral request, we will promptly deliver a separate copy of this proxy statement and any future annual reports and proxy or information statements to any security holder at a shared address to which a single copy of this proxy statement was delivered, or deliver a single copy of this proxy statement and any future annual reports and proxy or information statements to any security holder or holders sharing an address to which multiple copies are now delivered. You should direct any such requests to our Company at following address: MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., 444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attn.: Secretary.
You may also obtain additional copies from Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. using the following contact information: by internet at www.proxyvote.com, Telephone: Toll Free: 1-800-579-1639, Email: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com.
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PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the board of directors, our board of directors has nominated for re-election at the Annual Meeting each of Louie Ngar Yee and Steven Chaouki as a Class I director, each to stand for re-election for a new term expiring at the 2026 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each of the nominees is currently serving as a member of our board of directors. For biographical information on each of the director nominees, see “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance — Non-Employee Directors.”
In the event any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies voting for their election will be voted for any nominee who shall be designated by the board of directors to fill the vacancy. As of the date of this proxy statement, we are not aware that any nominee is unable or will decline to serve as a director if elected.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of shares of our Common Stock representing a plurality of the votes of the holders of the shares present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote generally on the election of directors is required to elect each of Louie Ngar Yee and Steven Chaouki as Class I directors of the Company.
Recommendation
Our board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the election of each of Louie Ngar Yee and Steven Chaouki to our board of directors.
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PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP
AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2023
The Audit Committee of our board of directors has appointed Grant Thornton LLP (“Grant Thornton”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023. Grant Thornton has served in this capacity since November 21, 2022.
We are asking our shareholders to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton as our independent registered public accounting firm. Although ratification is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise, our board of directors is submitting the appointment of Grant Thornton to our shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance. If our shareholders fail to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton, the Audit Committee will consider whether it is appropriate and advisable to appoint another independent registered public accounting firm. Even if our shareholders ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton, the Audit Committee in its discretion may appoint a different registered public accounting firm at any time if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.
Representatives of Grant Thornton are expected to be present at the virtual Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement and to respond to appropriate questions.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting on such matter, at the virtual Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof is required to approve Proposal 2.
Recommendation
Our board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
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PROPOSAL 3 THE 2021 PLAN AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
2021 Plan Amendment
The Board has approved, and has recommended that the shareholders approve an amendment to our MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan to include an automatic increase in the aggregate number of shares reserved for awards under the 2021 Plan, commencing on the date of shareholder approval of the amendment, and then each January 1 following thereafter, and ending on (and including) January 1, 2032 (each an “Increase Date”), in an amount equal to ten (10%) of the total number of shares of common stock on a fully diluted basis outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year; provided that, the Board may act prior to any Increase Date to provide that there will be no increase for such year or that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares than provided in the 2021 Plan. A copy of the Amendment to the 2021 Plan is annexed to this Proxy Statement as Annex A and is incorporated herein by reference. Because our common stock is listed on the NYSE American, we are subject to the rules set forth in the NYSE American Company Guide. Section 711 of the NYSE American Company Guide requires (subject to certain exceptions) shareholder approval to be obtained if a listed company establishes or materially amends a stock option or purchase plan or other equity compensation arrangement pursuant to which options or stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees, or consultants, regardless of whether or not such authorization is required by law or by the Company’s charter.
Background and Reasons for the 2021 Plan Amendment Proposal
The 2021 Plan became effective on August 1, 2022. A copy of the 2021 Plan was filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on August 8, 2022. As of April 17, 2023, approximately 599,126 shares of common stock remained available for grant under the 2021 Plan. The Board believes that automatically increasing the availability of additional shares of common stock for Awards granted under the 2021 Plan on an annual basis is needed to streamline the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated equity compensation objectives to attract, motivate and retain qualified employees, officers and directors.
For a summary of the 2021 Plan see “Executive Compensation — Equity Compensation Plans and Other Benefit Plans — 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.”
Registration with the SEC
The Company intends to file a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the issuance of the additional shares of Common Stock that will be issuable under the 2021 Plan following the approval of the 2021 Plan Amendment Proposal.
New Plan Benefits
Because it is within the discretion of the Compensation Committee to determine which non-employee directors, employees and consultants will receive awards and the amount and type of such awards, it is not presently possible to determine the number of individuals to whom awards will be made in the future under the 2021 Plan or the amount of such awards, except as set forth below:
NEW PLAN BENEFITS

2021 Plan, as amended in accordance with 2021 Plan Amendment Proposal
| ​ | ​ | Dollar Value ($) | ​ | ​ | Number of Units
Vlad Vitoc, Chief Executive Officer and President | ​ | ​ | NA | ​ | ​ | NA
Mihail Obrocea, Chief Medical Officer | ​ | ​ | NA | ​ | ​ | NA
Joseph F. McGuire, Chief Financial Officer | ​ | ​ | NA | ​ | ​ | NA
Sergei Gryaznov, Chief Scientific Officer | ​ | ​ | NA | ​ | ​ | NA
Executive Group | ​ | ​ | NA | ​ | ​ | NA
Non-Executive Director Group(1) | ​ | ​ | $360,000 | ​ | ​ | NA
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group | ​ | ​ | NA | ​ | ​ | NA

(1) | Our policy with respect to the compensation payable to our non-employee directors provides that each non-employee director will be eligible to receive compensation for his or her service consisting solely of equity awards, specifically $60,000 worth of stock options per year granted from the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, as described under the caption, “Executive Compensation — Non-Employee Director Compensation.”

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Required Vote
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person, by remote communication, or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting on such matter at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof is required to approve the 2021 Plan Amendment Proposal.
Recommendation
Our Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” approval of Proposal 3.
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OTHER MATTERS
We do not expect that any matter other than the foregoing proposals will be brought before the Annual Meeting. If, however, such a matter is properly presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting, the persons appointed as proxies will vote as recommended by our board of directors or, if no recommendation is given, in accordance with their judgment.
AVAILABILITY OF ANNUAL REPORT AND PROXY STATEMENT
If you would like to receive a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2022, please contact us at: MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., 444 West Lake Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606, attn.: Chief Financial Officer or by telephone at (312) 416-8592, and we will send a copy to you without charge.
A Note about Our Website
Although we include references to our website (https://maiabiotech.com/) throughout this proxy statement, information that is included on our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this proxy statement. Our website address is included as an inactive textual reference only.
We use our website as one means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under the SEC’s Regulation FD. Such disclosures typically will be included within the Investors Relations section of our website. Accordingly, investors should monitor such section of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls.
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ANNEX A
Form of Amendment to MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
MAIA BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC.
AMENDMENT TO THE
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (the “Company”) maintains the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”; capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Plan); and
WHEREAS, Article XVI of the Plan provides that the Board may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan at any time, provided that no amendment, alteration or discontinuation will be made, without the approval of such amendment by the Company’s stockholders if such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to the Plan (including, without limitation, as necessary to comply with any rules or requirements of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Stock may be listed or quoted); and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it would be advisable and in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders to amend the Plan to provide for an automatic annual increase in the number of Shares that may be subject to awards under the Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is amended by deleting the existing Section 5.1 in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following new Section 5.1:

5.1 | Authorized Shares. The Committee may from time to time grant Awards to one or more Employees, Directors and/or Consultants determined by it to be eligible for participation in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Article VI. Subject to Article XV, the aggregate number of shares of Stock reserved and available for grant and issuance under the Plan is 1,734,541, plus any reserved shares of Stock not issued or subject to outstanding awards granted under the Company’s 2020 Plan (the “Prior Plan”). In addition, subject to any adjustments as necessary pursuant to Article XV, such aggregate number of shares of Stock will automatically increase commencing on the date of Stockholder approval and then each January 1 following thereafter, and ending on (and including) January 1, 2032 (each an “Increase Date”), in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total number of shares of Stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis on December 31 of the preceding calendar year; provided that, the Board may act prior to any Increase Date to provide that there will be no increase for such year or that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Stock. In the event that (i) any Option or other Award granted hereunder is exercised through the tendering of Stock (either actually or by attestation) or by the withholding of Stock by the Company, or (ii) tax or deduction liabilities arising from such Option or other Award are satisfied by the tendering of Stock (either actually or by attestation) or by the withholding of Stock by the Company, then in each such case the shares of Stock so tendered or withheld shall be added to the shares of Stock available for grant under the Plan on a one-for-one basis. Shares underlying Awards under this Plan or the Prior Plan that are forfeited, canceled, expire unexercised, or are settled in cash shall also be available again for issuance as Awards under the Plan.

Except as specifically specified in this Amendment, the Plan shall in all other respects remain unmodified and in full force and effect.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amendment to be executed this day of , 2023.

| ​ | ​ | MAIA BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC.
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