UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 31, 2020

ARCH THERAPEUTICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 431-2313

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

ITEM 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On December 31, 2020, Arch Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) and Richard Davis, the Company’s current Chief Financial Officer, entered into a transition agreement (the “Agreement”), under which Mr. Davis agreed to continue in his current role as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer until the earlier of (i) when a successor is named and ready to perform the daily duties of Chief Financial Officer, and (ii) June 30, 2021 (such date, the “Transition End Date”), upon which date Mr. Davis will retire as Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the Agreement, for a period of six months following the Transition End Date, Mr. Davis will continue to work as an employee of the Company in a non-executive role to provide support and ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Mr. Davis’ last day of employment with the Company will be the six-month anniversary of the Transition End Date (the “Retirement Date”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, from January 1, 2021 and continuing until the Retirement Date, Mr. Davis will continue to be entitled to his full base salary and benefits as set forth in Mr. Davis’ Employment Agreement. As of the Retirement Date, Mr. Davis will be eligible to participate in COBRA at his own expense. The Agreement includes other customary provisions including non-disparagement.  

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.