JERSEY CITY, N.J., Dec. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTR) announced today that on December 21, 2012 the Inducement Grant Sub-committee of the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee of its Board of Directors approved the grant of inducement restricted stock units covering an aggregate of 12,080 shares of common stock to 6 new employees.

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Each restricted stock unit vests over three years, with one-third of the shares vesting on the first, second, and third anniversary of the applicable vesting commencement date, subject to the new employee's continued service relationship with the Company. Each restricted stock unit is subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and the restricted stock unit agreement pursuant to which the award was granted.

The restricted stock units were granted as inducements material to the new employees entering into employment with Optimer in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

About Optimer Pharmaceuticals

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative hospital specialty products that have a positive impact on society.  Optimer developed DIFICID® (fidaxomicin) tablets, an FDA-approved macrolide antibacterial drug for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in adults 18 years of age and older and is commercializing DIFICID in the US and Canada.  Optimer also received marketing authorization for fidaxomicin tablets in the European Union where its partner, Astellas Pharma Europe, is commercializing fidaxomicin under the trade name DIFICLIR™.  The Company is exploring marketing authorization in other parts of the world where C. difficile has emerged as a serious health problem, including Asia. Additional information can be found at http://www.optimerpharma.com.

Contacts
Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
David Walsey, VP of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
(858) 964-3418

Canale Communications
Jason I. Spark, Senior Vice President
(619) 849-6005

SOURCE Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.